Originally published on December 14, 2013

A U.S. guided missile warship was involved in a tense standoff in international waters with a Chinese naval vessel a week ago.

According to the Washington Times, the guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens was confronted by Chinese warships in the South China Sea near China's new aircraft carrier Liaoning on December 5th.

The run-in began after a Chinese navy vessel sent a hailing warning and ordered the Cowpens to stop conducting surveillance of the Liaoning at the time. It was reported that the Cowpens continued on its course and refused the order because it was operating in international waters.

Then a Chinese tank landing ship sailed in front of the Cowpens and stopped. The Cowpens was forced to abruptly change course in order to avoid a collision.

The U.S. government has issued protests to China in both Washington and Beijing in both diplomatic and military channels.

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