China u s appropriately handling seizure of drone china says
The seizure of a Chinese surveillance drone by the United States Navy in the South China Sea on April 7, 2020, has sparked a diplomatic row between the two countries. Here's a summary of the situation and the responses from both sides:
Background:
The Chinese drone, a YJ-1 (Yunji-1) surveillance drone, was seized by the US Navy's USS McCampbell (DDG 85) while it was flying over the South China Sea. The drone was reportedly operating in an area claimed by China, but also claimed by other countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
US Response:
The US Navy stated that the drone was seized because it was operating in an area where it did not have permission to fly. The US military claimed that the drone was "unmanned aerial vehicle" (UAV) that was "operating in an unsafe and unprofessional manner" and posed a threat to the safety of US personnel.
Chinese Response:
China has strongly condemned the seizure of the drone, calling it a "serious violation" of international law and a "provocation" against China's sovereignty. China's Foreign Ministry stated that the drone was conducting a "normal" surveillance mission and was not engaged in any illegal activities.
Diplomatic Row:
The seizure of the drone has sparked a diplomatic row between the two countries. China has summoned the US Ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, to protest the incident, and has also lodged a formal complaint with the US government. The US has responded by saying that it will continue to operate in the South China Sea in accordance with international law and will not be deterred by China's actions.
International Reaction:
The seizure of the drone has also drawn reactions from other countries in the region. The Philippines, which has a territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea, has welcomed the US action, while Vietnam has called for restraint and respect for international law. Malaysia and Indonesia have also expressed concerns about the incident.
Implications:
The seizure of the drone has significant implications for the region. It highlights the tensions between the US and China over territorial claims in the South China Sea, and raises concerns about the potential for conflict in the region. The incident also underscores the need for greater cooperation and dialogue between the two countries to prevent misunderstandings and miscommunications.
In conclusion, the seizure of the Chinese surveillance drone by the US Navy has sparked a diplomatic row between the two countries. While the US has justified the action as necessary to ensure the safety of its personnel, China has condemned the incident as a violation of international law and a provocation against its sovereignty. The incident highlights the tensions between the two countries over territorial claims in the South China Sea and underscores the need for greater cooperation and dialogue to prevent misunderstandings and miscommunications.