China’s high seas bullying continues as an American missile warship, moving lawfully through the South China Sea, was confronted by a Chinese warship, narrowly avoiding a collision. “This incident underscores the need to ensure the highest standards of professional seamanship, including communications between vessels, to mitigate the risk of an unintended incident or mishap,” a Navy official said. The Pentagon has been concerned about such potential run-ins ever since China declared ownership over a disputed air defense zone in the East China Sea this month.
