The USS William P. Lawrence. Source: Getty Images
China says US Navy patrols in the South China Sea are forcing Beijing to boost the defense capabilities in the area.
On May 11, the Chinese Defense Ministry released a statement that it deployed 2 navy fighter jets, 1 early warning aircraft, and 3 ships to warn off the destroyer USS William P. Lawrence.
“China will increase the scope of sea and air patrols based on need, boost all categories of military capacity building, resolutely defend national sovereignty and security, and resolutely safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea,” the statement reads.
We remember, the US warship was traveling within 12 nautical miles of Fiery Cross Reef on the South China Sea’s Spratly Islands on May 10.
It was the third time in that the US Navy sent warships to the sea. China calls these actions a “militarization” of the region.
