American Navy vessels to sail near artificial islands in South China Sea

Defense Department sources note that the U.S. Pacific Fleet has been prepared to undertake “freedom of navigation operations” (Fonops) around China’s artificial islands for months after preparing options at the request of U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

News reports earlier cited a senior USA official as saying USA ships would soon sail within 12-nautical-mile zones that China claims as territory around islands it has built in the Spratly chain.

“If the U.S. decides to send naval vessels within 12 nautical miles of the reclaimed low-tide elevation features in affirmation of this objective, this would be consistent with worldwide law and a rules-based order for the region”.

The Philippines has expressed support for a reported USA plan to challenge China’s territorial claims by deploying a Navy ship close to a Chinese-built island in the disputed South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said USA plans to sail a warship to the disputed islands pose serious concerns to China and can not be taken lightly.

“In order to deter these actions and prevent further erosion of stability in the region, the United States must make clear that it is fully committed to maintaining freedom of navigation in the South China Sea”, the letter said, calling for a “highly symbolic” passage of Navy ships and aircraft past the islands to send a message to China, according to USA Today.

Beijing claims 90 percent of the West Philippine Sea, including islands and waters near its neighbors-the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam.

Authorities informed that China will continue to construct other civilian and public facilities on its stationed reefs of the Nansha Islands, to better serve coastal nations in the South China Sea and passing vessels from around the world.