South China Sea: U.S. Sails Warship Near China-Controlled Reef

May 10, 2016 | 07:56 GMT

A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer carried out a freedom of navigation operation neara disputed reef in the South China Sea on May 10, the Pentagon said, and the South China Morning Post and Reuters reported. The operation, which took place within 12 nautical miles of Chinese-occupied Fiery Cross Reef, in the Spratly archipelago, was intended to "challenge excessive maritime claims of some claimants in the South China Sea,” according to the Pentagon. The operation occurred shortly after the Chinese military carried out a combat drill involving its most advanced warships. In pursuit of their respective interests, the United States and China have chosen to interpret international maritime law differently.