The United States is accusing China of being “irresponsible” and “unhelpful” during the near-collision of a US warship and a Chinese naval vessel.  The confrontation in international waters that China claims in the South China Sea was the most serious since 2009.

“What we don’t want is some miscalculation here to occur,” said US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who warned that a near collision “could be a trigger or a spark that could set off some eventual miscalculation.”

The US said its guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens was operating in international waters on 5 December when a Chinese navy vessel cut in front, forcing the Americans to take evasive action.  The Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times claimed the US boat had been “harassing” China's aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, as it carried out drills.

US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman General Martin E. Dempsey said American forces were watching for other potential provocative action.

“We remain alert for changes in the environment,” General Dempsey said.  “There are times that are more sensitive than others.  And we’re in a heightened period of sensitivity, and you can count on our mariners and airmen to be aware of that.”