US sends naval warships near China-claimed SCS islands
Even as US President Donald Trump continues wooing China for cooperation on North Korea, the US sent two Navy warships sailing near South China Sea islands today, a move likely to anger Beijing. This was yet another attempt by Washington to counter what it calls limiting of freedom of navigation in strategic waters by China. However, critics say such tactics are unlikely to impact Beijing.
Details about today's operation
According to US officials, this time, the Higgins guided-missile destroyer and the Antietam, a guided-missile cruiser, came within 12 nautical miles of the disputed Paracel Islands. They carried out maneuvering-operations near Tree, Triton and Woody islands. Though similar operations are routine, and this one had been planned months ago, it came at a crucial time: days earlier, the Pentagon uninvited China from a US-hosted naval drill.
China has been upping activity in disputed regions
The US has long complained that Beijing hasn't revealed details of its military buildup in the South China Sea, and its use of the region to gather intelligence. Satellite photographs of May 12 showed truck-mounted surface-to-air missiles at Woody island, purportedly of China. Earlier in May, the Chinese air force landed bombers on disputed islands in the area as part of a training exercise.
Today's operation puts more pressure on US-China ties
US-China ties are currently tense, with Trump cancelling a summit with NKorean leader Kim Jong-un amid a trade-dispute with Beijing. US claims its operations are carried out across the world and they're separate from political moves. However, Beijing has accused Washington of viewing it suspiciously. China's claims on the South China Sea are contested by Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan, Malaysia and the Philippines.
