Beijing Says a U.S. Warship Needed Permission to Sail Near Sabina Shoal. Washington and Manila Say It Did Not. America Should Keep Sailing
China's military says USS Charleston "illegally intruded" near Sabina Shoal on Oct. 20. The 7th Fleet calls it routine operations in international waters, and the Philippines agrees no nation can demand permission. In our view, steady American presence is exactly what keeps the peace.
By Clara Hughes
ALTAS WORLD NEWS OPINION | By Clara Hughes, Chief Opinion Editor | October 21, 2026 | 6-min read Early on Tuesday, Oct. 20, the littoral combat ship USS Charleston sailed near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. Beijing's response was swift: the People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command said the ship had "illegally intruded" and that "the U.S. side should immediately cease such activities" [1]. The U.S. Navy's answer was calm and clear. "All nations enjoy freedom of navigation and other lawful uses of the sea in this area," a 7th Fleet spokesperson said. "The United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows in support of regional peace, stability and security" [2]. In our view, that is exactly the right message, delivered the right way. Key Takeaways China said it dispatched forces to track USS Charleston (LCS-18) near Sabina Shoal on Oct. 20 [1][2]. The 7th Fleet said the ship conducted routine operations in international waters consistent with international law [2]. The Philippine military said the ship "did not trespass into 'Chinese territory'" and that no nation can require prior permission for lawful transit [2][3]. Sabina Shoal lies about 145 kilometers (90 miles) from the Philippine island