CHINA-US: SOUTH CHINA SEA

 The US warned Australia of plans for the US navy guided-missile destroyer the 'Curtis Wilbur' to sail  within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island (Zhongjian Dao) – part of the Paracel Island chain -- on January 30, 2016. Zhongjian Dao has been under China's control since 1974 after a naval conflict with Vietnam. Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said no ships from China's military were in the vicinity of the USS Curtis Wilbur when it passed near Triton Island. He observed:"This operation challenged attempts by the three claimants – China, Taiwan and Vietnam – to restrict navigation rights and freedoms."

(Comment: This is the second time in recent times that the US has sent USN ships so close to the disputed island territory in a bid to head off any attempt by Beijing to curb freedom of navigation and overflight through the strategic waters.It is the first time the US Navy has challenged China’s territorial claims in the Paracel islands.)
 






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