U.S. destroyer challenges China’s claims in South China Sea
▻http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-southchinasea-exclusive-idUSKBN1AQ0YK
A U.S. Navy destroyer carried out a “freedom of navigation operation” on Thursday, coming within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built up by China in the #South_China_Sea, U.S. officials told Reuters.
The operation came as President Donald Trump’s administration seeks Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs and could complicate efforts to secure a common stance.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the USS John S. McCain traveled close to #Mischief_Reef in the #Spratly_Islands, among a string of islets, reefs and shoals. China has territorial disputes with its neighbors over the area.
It was the third “#freedom_of_navigation operation” during Trump’s presidency.
#FON #Mer_de_Chine_méridionale #Spratleys
Histoire d’obtenir la coopération de la Chine contre la Corée du Nord, j’imagine…