China says U.S. warship violated its South China Sea sovereignty
Source: Reuters
#WORLD NEWS JANUARY 20, 2018 / 2:51 AM / UPDATED 4 HOURS AGO
China says U.S. warship violated its South China Sea sovereignty
Reuters Staff
5 MIN READ
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - A U.S. Navy destroyer this week sailed near the Scarborough Shoal, a disputed lagoon claimed by China in the South China Sea, U.S. officials said on Saturday, and Beijing vowed to take necessary measures to protect what it said was its sovereignty.
Chinas foreign ministry said USS Hopper missile destroyer came within 12 nautical miles off Huangyan island, better known as the Scarborough Shoal and subject to a rival claim by the Philippines, a historic ally of the United States.
It was the latest U.S. naval operation challenging extensive Chinese claims in the South China Sea and came even as U.S. President Donald Trumps administration seeks Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Koreas missile and nuclear programs.
Two U.S. officials confirmed that the USS Hopper had sailed within 12 nautical miles of Scarborough Shoal, a rocky outcrop and prime fishing spot due to its bountiful catches and calm waters.
-snip-
Read more:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-us-sovereignty/china-says-u-s-warship-violated-its-south-china-sea-sovereignty-idUSKBN1F9088