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US Draws Condemnation From China for Navy Ship's Passing Through South China
Sea

by VOA News

   A U.S. Navy warship has passed through waters claimed by China near
   disputed islands in the South China Sea to counter what Washington says
   is Beijing's attempt to limit freedom of navigation.

   China condemned the action late Friday, calling it a "provocation" and
   a "gravely illegal act."

   A U.S. Defense Department spokesman said the destroyer USS Decatur
   passed near the Paracel Islands in a "routine, lawful manner" Friday,
   challenging China's "excessive maritime claims." He said the warship
   did not come within the 12-nautical-mile (22.22 kilometers)
   international law territorial limit of the islands, which are
   controlled by China but also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.

   China does not recognize the territorial limit, and accused the U.S. of
   being a "troublemaker" in the region. The destroyer's action drew a
   warning from Chinese warships shadowing the Decatur, ordering it to
   leave the area.

   The U.S. Navy has now conducted four "freedom of navigation" operations
   in the past year in various parts of the South China Sea.