USS Lassen: In troubled waters

The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed “strong discontentment” and “resolute opposition” over a U.S. warship patrol near Zhubi Reef of China’s Nansha Islands in the South China Sea on Tuesday.

“The United States actions threaten China’s sovereignty and security interests, endanger the safety of personnel and facilities in the reef, and harm regional peace and stability’, ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a statement.

Lu urged the U.S. side to “immediately correct its wrongdoing.”

On  Tuesday, the U.S. warship USS Lassen reportedly  entered waters near Zhubi Reef of China’s Nansha Islands in the South China Sea.

Lu said the ship did not have the  permission of the Chinese government to do so.