Tensions in the South China Sea have flared again after Beijing announced that the USS Gabrielle Giffords entered waters near Second Thomas Shoal — an area China calls “Renai Reef” and claims as part of its Spratly Islands territory.

The Beijing administration announced that the USS Gabrielle Giffords, an Independence-class ship belonging to the US Navy, had entered waters near Second Thomas Shoal, which China refers to as “Renai Reef” and is part of the Spratly Islands. The Chinese military stated that the ship was being monitored and tracked, adding, “Our forces are always on high alert to defend national sovereignty.”

A Chinese military spokesperson claimed that the US actions violated the country's sovereignty and seriously undermined regional peace and stability.

The US Navy, in a written statement, emphasized that the USS Gabrielle Giffords was operating in international waters.

The statement said, “The US 7th Fleet operates in the South China Sea every day, as it has for decades. These operations demonstrate our commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

The Philippine Coast Guard, meanwhile, reported a “concerning” increase in the number of Chinese warships near a reef in the country's exclusive economic zone, and subsequently deployed two warships to the South China Sea. (lLKHA)