Tensions Rise in South China Sea Over Scarborough Shoal Incident

China has accused a U.S. destroyer of violating its sovereignty by sailing near the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, a region fraught with territorial disputes. The Chinese military claims it "monitored and drove away" the vessel, marking heightened tensions in the strategic waterway.

This military maneuver by the U.S. marks the first in several years and follows allegations by the Philippines against Chinese ships for "dangerous maneuvers" during a recent resupply mission. The U.S. Navy, however, asserts its presence in the area is within international legal rights, maintaining their commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation.

The Scarborough Shoal, a flashpoint in ongoing geopolitical friction, lies in a sea route crucial to global commerce. Despite a 2016 international ruling against China's sweeping territorial claims in these waters, Beijing repudiates the decision, continuing to assert its dominance, which has resulted in physical confrontations such as the recent collision of Chinese vessels, according to Manila.

(With inputs from agencies.)