The Hill reported Oct. 20, 2026, that China accused the U.S. military of “illegally” entering waters around a disputed shoal in the South China Sea and said it had sent its own forces to monitor a U.S. Navy ship.
According to The Hill, Beijing made the accusation on Oct. 20, 2026, amid broader tensions in the region. The report said China claims roughly 90 percent of the South China Sea and that the claim has produced disputes with the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam.
The Hill is the source of the account; this report does not independently confirm the events described.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
