(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – A United States (US) warship has sailed close to an artificial island built by China in the South China Sea, the first challenge to Beijing’s claim to the waters since President Donald Trump took Office.
According to unnamed sources cited by US media, the USS Dewey passed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef.
China claims almost all of the South China Sea, including reefs and islands also claimed by other nations.
The US insists it can conduct operations in any international waters.
It says it does not take sides in territorial disputes, but has sent military ships and planes near disputed islands in the past, calling them “Freedom of Navigation” operations to ensure access to key shipping and air routes.
It has also repeatedly criticised what it sees as Beijing’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters.
