PLA Navy followed US vessel on patrol in South China Sea hotspot, Beijing says

What happened: China accused the USS Charleston of entering waters near the disputed Spratly Islands without approval early Tuesday. A PLA Southern Theatre Command Navy spokesman said the Chinese navy monitored and followed the vessel. Why it matters: Beijing said the US move undermined regional stability, and asserted what it called indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands.

PLA navy shadowed US patrol in South China Sea hotspot, per Beijing.

PLA navy shadowed US patrol in South China Sea hotspot, per Beijing. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.