The guided missile cruiser USS Antietam. Source DoD
The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Higgins. Reuters
Reuters: Exclusive: U.S. warships sail near South China Sea islands claimed by Beijing
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two U.S. Navy warships sailed near South China Sea islands claimed by China on Sunday, two U.S. officials told Reuters, in a move likely to anger Beijing as President Donald Trump seeks its continued cooperation on North Korea.
The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters.
While this operation had been planned months in advance, and similar operations have become routine, it comes at a particularly sensitive time and just days after the Pentagon uninvited China from a major U.S.-hosted naval drill.
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WNU Editor: I expect the Chinese will be responding very soon to this U.S. Navy sail-by.
Update: That did not take too long .... US Warships Enter Disputed South China Sea Waters, Beijing Slams Move (Sputnik)
More News On Reports That Two US Warships Sailed Near Chinese claimed South China Sea Islands
US warships sail near disputed islands in South China Sea in a move likely to anger Beijing -- ABC News Online
US sends warships near disputed island in South China Sea: report -- The Hill
US warships sail near disputed islands in South China Sea, officials say -- FOX News
US warships near South China Sea islands -- SBS
US warships sail near disputed South China Sea islands – report -- RT
