US destroyer challenges China’s SCS claims
WASHINGToN: A US Navy destroyer carried out a “freedom of navigation operation”, coming within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built up by China in the South China Sea, US officials said.
The operation came as US President Donald Trump’s administration seeks Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Korea’s missile and nuclear programmes and could complicate efforts to secure a common stance.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the USS John S. McCain travelled close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, among a string of islets, reefs and shoals.
China has territorial disputes with its neighbours over the area.
It was the third “freedom of navigation operation” during Trump’s presidency.
Thursday’s operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, and comes as Trump is seeking China’s cooperation to rein in North Korea.
China’s Defence Ministry said two Chinese warships ”jumped into action” and warned the US ship to leave, labelling the move a ”provocation” that seriously harms mutual trust.
“China is resolutely opposed to this kind of show of force and pushing of regional militarisation by the United States that may easily cause an unexpected incident at sea or in the air,” it said in a statement.
China’s foreign ministry said the operation had violated international and Chinese law and seriously harmed Beijing’s sovereignty and security.
“China is very displeased with this and will bring up the issue with the US side,” the ministry said in a statement.
The United States has criticised 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.
Twelve nautical miles marks the territorial limits recognised internationally. Sailing within those 12 miles (19.3km) is meant to show that the United States does not recognise territorial claims there. — Reuters