Expressing grave concern over a US nuclear-powered submarine sustaining injury within the disputed South China Sea, China on Friday demanded Washington to disclose the small print and the placement of the accident and blamed America’s frequent air and naval sorties within the Indo-Pacific to say the “freedom of navigation” because the “root cause” of the incident.
The USS Connecticut struck an object underwater within the South China Sea (SCS) on Saturday. Eleven sailors on board the submarine have been injured within the accident. None of the accidents have been life-threatening, an announcement from the US Pacific Fleet mentioned on Thursday.
It’s unclear what the Seawolf-class submarine could have hit whereas it was submerged.
“The submarine remains in a safe and stable condition. USS Connecticut’s nuclear propulsion plant and spaces were not affected and remain fully operational,” the US Navy assertion mentioned.
Asked for his response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian informed a media briefing right here that “China is gravely concerned about the incident.”
“As the party involved, the US should clarify in specific details what happened, including the exact location of the incident, the US side’s navigation intention, the details of the incident, the object the submarine struck, whether the collision caused a nuclear leak or damaged local marine environment, etc,” Zhao mentioned.
He alleged that the US has lengthy been making hassle within the South China Sea within the title of “freedom of navigation”, which poses a grave risk and main dangers for regional peace and stability. “This is the root cause of this incident,” he mentioned.
The US has been periodically sending its naval and air patrols via the South China Sea, difficult China’s claims of sovereignty over the realm and likewise asserting the liberty of navigation.
Zhao mentioned the US has intentionally stalled and hid the specifics of the incident. It lacks transparency and accountability, he mentioned.
“China and other countries surrounding the South China Sea cannot help but ask what truly happened and what the US’ intention is,” he mentioned.
The spokesman additionally used the chance to criticise the AUKUS safety alliance introduced by the US, Britain and Australia.
The trilateral alliance – extensively seen as an effort to counter China’s affect within the contested South China Sea – was introduced by US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison final month.
Zhao identified that the US and the UK not too long ago determined to conduct nuclear submarine cooperation with Australia, a non-nuclear weapon state, and proliferate nuclear submarines within the Asia-Pacific.
“This is certain to create nuclear proliferation dangers, spark an arms race and undermine efforts to determine a Southeast Asia nuclear-free-zone. The odds of a nuclear incident may also enhance dramatically.
“The US should abandon the obsolete Cold War zero-sum mentality and narrow geopolitical notions and stop such erroneous practice that undermine regional peace, stability and development,” the Chinese overseas ministry spokesman mentioned.
China claims a lot of the SCS. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims over the realm. Over the years, China has constructed various navy installations within the reclaimed islands within the SCS and deployed an enormous fleet of its naval ships and submarines.
At the briefing, China additionally requested the US to sever defence and official ties with Taiwan whereas reacting to reviews that US troops have been coaching Taiwanese troops.
He additionally requested the US to sever navy and official ties with Taiwan, whereas reacting to reviews {that a} small variety of US particular operations forces have been deployed in Taiwan on rotational foundation to coach Taiwanese forces.
Reports quoted a Pentagon spokesman John Supple as highlighting that the US help for defence relationship with Taiwan “remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People’s Republic of China.”
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province. However, democratic Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign state. Beijing has not dominated out the doable use of pressure to attain unification with Taiwan.The One China precept which emphasises that Taiwan is a part of China is the political basis for China-US ties, Zhao mentioned.
“The US must sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan and abrogate its mutual defence treaty with Taiwan and must withdraw” from the estranged island, he mentioned.
The US ought to totally recognise the “highly sensitive nature” of Taiwan-related points and the “gravely detrimental nature” of related points, abide by the one-China precept and the three China-US joint communiques, and cease arms gross sales to and navy ties with Taiwan to keep away from critically damaging China-US relations and peace and stability throughout the Taiwan Strait.
“China will take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Zhao mentioned.The US ought to solely stick with the commitments to keep up cultural, business and different unofficial relations with the individuals of Taiwan, he mentioned.
Tensions flared up between China and Taiwan because the Chinese navy flew a report 150 air pressure jets into Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone throughout the week-long holidays to rejoice China’s National Day on October 1.
The Taiwan difficulty figured in Wednesday’s talks between prime Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Zurich throughout which the 2 sides have agreed to enhance the strained ties.
The depth of China’s air raids prompted US President Joe Biden to remind his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that they’ve agreed to abide by the “Taiwan agreement” throughout their phone talks final month.
“I’ve spoken with Xi about Taiwan. We agree … we’ll abide by the Taiwan agreement. We made it clear that I don’t think he should be doing anything other than abiding by the agreement,” Biden had earlier mentioned.
