China sent naval forces to monitor a U.S. Navy warship near a disputed shoal after accusing it of illegally entering disputed South China Sea waters. Taiwan separately reported a confrontation with a Chinese Coast Guard vessel near the Pratas Islands.
WHO:China
WHAT:China sent naval forces to monitor a U.S. Navy warship near a disputed shoal.
WHEN:Reported Oct 20, 2026 at 9:46 PM ET
WHERE:South China Sea
WHY:China said the U.S. warship had illegally entered disputed South China Sea waters.
How this story developed (showing 2 of 2 earlier reports)
