'Upheld Freedom Of Navigation's Standards Longer Than PLA Navy Existed': US Navy Takes Dig At China

The United States Navy has slammed China for its opposition to freedom of navigation exercise by the US in the South China Sea.

The development comes after Hu Xijin, the editor-in-chief of Chinese state-run newspaper, accused US of having double standards when it comes to the freedom of navigation near its territories.

"Hopefully when Chinese warships pass through the Caribbean Sea or show up near Hawaii and Guam one day, the US will uphold the same standard of freedom of navigation. That day will come soon," Xijin said in a tweet.

Responding to Xijin's tweet, the US Navy said that it has "upheld the standards of freedom of navigation longer than the PLA navy has existed".

The US Navy also highlighted some incidents where Chinese Navy ship had sailed near US territories, Hawaii and Guam, mentioned by the Global Times editor-in-chief in his tweet.

"The US Navy sails around the world in accordance with international law. All countries benefit from freedom of navigation in accordance with international law," the US Navy said.

"Unfortunately, not all who benefit from freedom of navigation would extend that same freedom to others," the US Navy said, referring to China's opposition to freedom of navigation exercise by the US in South China Sea.