China accuses USS Barry of incursion into territorial waters
In the latest instance of Sino-US maritime tensions, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND) has accused the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Barry of trespassing into Chinese territorial waters.
According to a statement from the MND, the incursion occurred on 28 April near the Xisha Islands (also known as the Paracel Islands) in the South China Sea, prompting the Southern Theatre Command of the PLA to deploy air and naval assets to the area.
PLA forces were tasked with tracking, identifying, verifying and warning the USN vessel.
USS Barry is part of the US Pacific Fleet’s America Expeditionary Strike Group, which held live-fire training exercises in the South China Sea between 13-18 April alongside counterparts from the RAN.
China claims sovereignty over the Paracels, although this is disputed by Vietnam and Taiwan. USN vessels often sail near the islands.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Rolls Royce Submarines brings jobs to Glasgow for Dreadnought and AUKUS programmes]()
Rolls Royce Submarines brings jobs to Glasgow for Dreadnought and AUKUS programmes
Rolls Royce opens new Scottish office but the MoD foots the bill.
-
![First UK autonomous XL military submarine is put through in-water testing]()
First UK autonomous XL military submarine is put through in-water testing
The BAE Systems Herne XLAUV has hit the water.
-
![US Senate approves additional $175 million for Coast Guard’s FY2025 procurement]()
US Senate approves additional $175 million for Coast Guard’s FY2025 procurement
Extra funds will enable the branch to manage vessel acquisition programmes better.
-
![Australia pushes ahead on reinstating heavy landing capability with selection of Damen]()
Australia pushes ahead on reinstating heavy landing capability with selection of Damen
Australia has been without a heavy landing capability since the retirement of the last of eight Balikpapan Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels in 2014. Work on new ships is expected to begin in 2026.
-
![UK and US marines train to guard nuclear deterrent submarines]()
UK and US marines train to guard nuclear deterrent submarines
The Autumn round of Tartan Eagle training just concluded in Scotland.
-
![Saab and Singapore DSTA expand their understanding on undersea defence]()
Saab and Singapore DSTA expand their understanding on undersea defence
The organisations have broadened the remit of an existing MoU to help boost underwater defence innovation.
