On August 13, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command stated that the U.S. "Higgins" destroyer illegally entered China's territorial waters around the Huangyan Island without approval from the Chinese government and was driven away by Chinese forces. However, the U.S. Navy denied this. A spokesperson for the Seventh Fleet stated that the "Higgins" conducted a "freedom of navigation operation" in accordance with international law, sailing anywhere allowed by international law.

【"Higgins" Destroyer】

This exposure and excuse clearly reveal the small character under the American navy's coat. As the world's strongest navy, it is a concrete manifestation of imperialism and hegemonism. Has the U.S. Navy ever concealed or covered up its actions when forcefully entering foreign exclusive economic zones or infringing on territorial waters? Since 2021, during the time when the United States and India were in a honeymoon period against China, the U.S. Navy once sent the "John Paul Jones" destroyer to forcibly enter the exclusive economic zone of the Lakshadweep Islands in India. When the Indian government expressed dissatisfaction, the U.S. Navy brazenly responded that they were there to cause trouble for India. Because the U.S. believed that India was too greedy in its delineation of the exclusive economic zone.

So today, regarding the issue of Huangyan Island, the U.S. Navy repeatedly states that it complies with international law, meaning that it did not enter Chinese territorial waters but was sailing in international waters. Regardless of the truth, this has already shown weakness. It no longer looks like the navy of an empire; it is clearly a thug who bullies the weak and fears the strong on the street.

【Higgins Participating in U.S.-Japan Joint Exercises】

Let us first look at the "Higgins". It was delivered into service in 1999, and although it is a 26-year-old ship, it is still relatively new in the U.S. Navy. The "Higgins" has a maximum displacement of 8,637 tons, slightly larger than the 052D. It uses LM2500-30 gas turbines as power, and its start-up and shutdown performance is quite good, making it suitable for such provocative missions.

For such a large warship, the PLA would need to use similar-tonnage ships like the 052C and 052D type to effectively intercept it. To be honest, using brand-new warships to perform escort tasks carries the risk of collision. It seems like a loss. However, today's U.S. Navy is more afraid of maritime collisions because its naval ships have a very poor maintenance rate. Even those that can sail are rusted and show no sign of the might of a superpower's navy. Near the Philippines, the only other operational escort ships are the "Robert Smalls" Cruiser (CG-62) and the "Shoup" Destroyer (DDG-86). If a collision occurs, causing one of the warships to lose its ability to move, it may affect the overall deployment of the U.S. Navy in the South China Sea.

【Huangyan Island Is the Focus of Recent South China Sea Struggle】

It should be known that the U.S. Navy and Air Force have repeatedly provoked China's territorial waters and airspace. Unless they have been beaten, they will not make statements to admit it. Previously, the U.S. military generally accused the Chinese interception activities of being "unprofessional and unsafe," which frightened them a lot. The "Higgins" alone is not the first time it has been driven away.

For example, on January 20, 2022, the PLA drove away the "Benfold" destroyer in the Xisha waters. On June 3, 2023, the "Suzhou" intercepted the U.S. ship "Chung Hom" in the Taiwan Strait, and the accompanying Canadian "Montreal" frigate took a full video of the process. On August 13, 2024, the "Higgins" came to the Huangyan Island to provoke and was immediately driven away. However, this time, the interception of the "Higgins" did not mention topics like "professional" or "safe." It seems that the Chinese action is more resolute and impactful than before.

From the measures taken by the U.S. Navy, it did not deny that the "Higgins" appeared in the Huangyan Island sea area, but emphasized that it has always been sailing in international waters, abiding by the so-called freedom of navigation principle. This means that it denies that the "Higgins" entered the 12-nautical-mile territorial sea line range near the Huangyan Island. This fact also confirms from another angle that the U.S. military is provoking the Huangyan Island. Otherwise, why would a missile destroyer appear in such a sensitive sea area without an invitation? Could it just be a simple passage?

【U.S. Attack Carrier Operating in the Area】

The "Higgins" is not only provoking alone but also supporting the South China Sea operations of several so-called Asia-Pacific allies, including the Philippines, Japan, and Australia. The U.S. Navy is the backbone of these countries in East Asia. Without the U.S. military, this so-called partner system would collapse. Therefore, even if the U.S. Navy can only spare one destroyer, it must be present. However, the subsequent statement by the U.S. Navy after this incident is cowardly, seriously weakening the effect of the "Higgins" coming to provoke recklessly.

Considering the need for anti-China policies, the U.S. Navy's provocative actions in the South China Sea, especially around the Huangyan Island, will not stop. Such risks will eventually lead to more serious consequences. If there comes a day when more intense confrontation, even a collision, happens, and the U.S. warship is caught red-handed within the territorial waters of the Huangyan Island, returning with injuries and embarrassment, then Japan, Australia, or the Philippines may start to think about their own interests.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7538624164317217316/

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