U.S. warship drill meant to defy China's claim over artificial island: officials

[rangerrebew]

U.S. warship drill meant to defy China's claim over artificial island: officials

By Idrees Ali and David Brunnstrom | WASHINGTON

A U.S. warship carried out a "maneuvering drill" when it sailed within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built up by China in the South China Sea, to show Beijing it was not entitled to a territorial sea around it, U.S. officials said on Thursday.

The operation near Mischief Reef on Thursday, Pacific time, among a string of islets, reefs and shoals over which China has disputes with its neighbors, was the boldest U.S. challenge yet to Chinese island-building in the strategic waterway.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-southchinasea-navy-idUSKBN18K353?utm_source=RC+Defense+Morning+Recon&utm_campaign=895c52a12d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_05_24&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_694f73a8dc-895c52a12d-81835773