The US twice sent warships to close to the Spratly and Spratly islands being occupied by China.

Coastal combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords moves within 12 nautical miles around Mischief Reef in Vietnam's Spratly Islands. This entity has been illegally occupied by China and illegally renovated into an artificial island.

A day later, the destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer patrolled to ensure freedom of navigation near the Vietnamese sovereignty of the Paracel Islands.

"These missions demonstrate our commitment to upholding freedom and the right to legally use airspace and territorial waters with all nations," US Navy Fleet 7 spokesman Reann Mommsen said yesterday. now said.

Vietnam affirms its undisputed sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly Islands, while respecting freedom of navigation and welcoming actions that contribute to regional peace and security of these countries. East Sea.

China claims a large part of the South China Sea, overlapping the waters of other countries in the region, and at the same time, accrue and militarize illegal artificial islands to consolidate its claims, despite the laws. international and national objections of the world.

Washington has repeatedly sent warships through the South China Sea during operations to freedom of navigation and challenge Beijing's unjustified sovereignty claims. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the country would maintain such activities, despite Chinese restrictions.

"I think we are all obliged to express our views clearly, to assert our sovereignty and emphasize the importance of the law," Mr. Esper said in a press conference after meeting with his fellow citizens. Philippines Delfin Lorenzana in Quezon City on November 19.