South China Sea row: British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth ignores Chinese threats

South China Sea row: British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth ignores Chinese threats.
BRITISH aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has ignored warnings from the Chinese and entered the South China Sea, leading to fears of reprisals from Beijing.
One of the UK's advanced flagship aircraft carriers, the HMS Queen Elizabeth, has sailed into the contested maritime region heedless of the vocal threats from China. Referring to the passage of the British ships Chinese defence spokesman Tan Kefei spoke to the South China Morning Post and said: “The Chinese side believes that the South China Sea should not become a sea of great power rivalry dominated by weapons and warships. The real source of militarization in the South China Sea comes from countries outside this region sending their warships thousands of kilometres from home to flex muscles.
"The Chinese military will take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interest.
"It will also take measures to promote peace and stability in the South China Sea.”
The ship is leading a carrier strike group and has entered the South China Sea region which has been largely claimed by China, within their 'nine-dash line.
The British carrier recently left Singapore along with escort vessels.
Beijing's 'nine-dash line' claim encompasses almost all of the South China Sea.
This territory measures 1.3 million-square-miles and Bejing has denounced the presence of foreign warships there, stating they are the cause of tensions in the region.
China's 'nine-dash line' extends southward for over 2,000 kilometres from the Chinese mainland.
However, in a historic decision in 2016, an international tribunal met at The Hague and ruled against China’s claim to the maritime territory.
China is building artificial fortified islands within the South China Sea territory.
The state that these constructions are in accordance with article 56 of the United Nations Conventions and Laws of the Sea.
Beijing states that only they have the exclusive right to exploit the resources and build artificial islands within the South China Sea.