In Photo: USS Curtis Wilbur
THE US warship that conducted a freedom of navigation patrol in contested areas on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) is back in the country just more than a week after completing its mission.
The guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur docked in Subic, Zambales, at around 8:30 a.m. without fanfare, more than 10 days after conducting its freedom of navigation patrol, during which it sailed close to one of the islets occupied by China on the South China Sea, drawing sharp criticisms from Chinese officials.
The berthing of the US warship came a day after the US formally turned over to the Armed Forces 114 units of refurbished M-113A2 armored personnel carriers in its continuing effort to help the military improve and build its internal and territorial defense capabilities.
USS Curtis Wilbur first docked at the Manila Soutrh Harbor on January 24 for maintenance and rest of its 300-strong crew. Three or four days later, it was already on international news after US military officials said it challenged China’s sovereignty in the South China Sea by moving within 12 nautical miles of the Triton Island in the Paracel Group of Islands.
The occupation of the Paracels by Beijing is being disputed by both Vietnam and Taiwan.
“This operation challenged attempts by the three claimants—China, Taiwan and Vietnam—to restrict navigation rights and freedoms,” Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said in response to the destroyer’s freedom sail.
He also said no Chinese ships attempted to shadow or follow the destroyer during its patrol.
China called the patrol as a “provocative action” and condemning Washington over its second exercise in the area, which the international community insists, must be open to overflights and international navigation.
“The American warship has violated relevant Chinese laws by entering Chinese territorial waters without prior permission and the Chinese side has taken relevant measures, including monitoring and admonitions,” China’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
It also said the action was “intentionally provocative, irresponsible and extremely dangerous.”
China also said that Chinese navy vessels took responsive action by identifying the US destroyer and warning it to keep distance from the islet, a claim that was belied by Davis.
USS Curtis Wilbur silently appeared in Subic, with no statement coming from the US Embassy about its arrival and the purpose of its berthing.
Last October, USS Lassen, another guided missile destroyer, also sailed close to a reef reclaimed and occupied by China in the West Philippine Sea, drawing condemnation from Beijing, but eliciting positive statements from the country and other key allies of the US.
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