Navy Ship Sails 12 Miles off Chinese Islands

By Kris Osborn

A U.S. Navy destroyer has sailed within 12 miles of artificial island areas claimed by China in the South China Sea in a deliberate effort to demonstrate international freedom of the seas and challenge China’s territorial claims.

Defense officials told Scout Warrior that Chinese vessels “shadowed” the USS Lassen as it transited through the area. 

The U.S. routinely operates in the area and this kind of shadowing is not unusual, officials said. However, this is the first time since China began its artificial island building that the U.S. has formally challenged or sought to undermine China’s claim to sovereignty extending out 12 miles from the man-made or artificial island structures.

A group of lawmakers, led by Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Va., sent a letter to President Obama and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter asking that the U.S. formally challenge China’s claims and sail within the 12-mile boundary of the artificial island structures. 

According to and AFP wire service news report, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said the U.S. “illegally entered waters near the islands” without receiving permission from the Chinese government.

Beijing “resolutely opposes any country using freedom of navigation and overflight as a pretext for harming China’s national sovereignty and security interests,” his statement continues, adding China would “staunchly defend its territorial sovereignty.” 

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if this incident will escalate tensions in the area, and U.S. officials say Navy ships will continue to sail through these areas and operate these kinds of patrols.