US Navy destroyer sails near Mischief Reef

WASHINGTON: A US Navy destroyer carried out a “freedom of navigation” operation on Friday, coming within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built by China in the South China Sea, US officials told Reuters.

Friday’s operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the USS Mustin travelled close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands and carried out manoeuvring operations. China has territorial disputes with its neighbors over the area.

Neither China’s Foreign nor Defence Ministries immediately responded to a request for comment.

The US military has a long- standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including in areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations.

However, the latest operation, the first since January, comes just a day after US President Donald Trump lit a slowburning fuse when he signed a presidential memorandum that will target up to $ 60 billion in Chinese goods with tariffs, but only after a 30- day consultation period that starts once a list is published.

The United States has criticized China’s construction of islands and build- up of military facilities in the sea, and is concerned they could be used to restrict free nautical movement. — Reuters