Tension as U.S. warship sails by China’s disputed islands

But the Spratlys also have a strategic location, since about one-third of the world’s commerce passes through the South China Sea.

Last night, the Chinese navy warned that further forays by the USA naval vessel into the waters claimed by China in the South China Sea might “trigger eventualities”. Beijing has promised to do everything necessary to “protect [the] country’s security and interests”.

“The USA patrol was a “coercive action that seeks to militarize the South China Sea region” and an “abuse” of freedom of navigation under global law, it added”.

But USA defence secretary Ash Carter warned on Tuesday that naval operations in the area would continue.

The manoeuvre comes after months of deliberation in Washington and is created to uphold the principles of freedom of navigation in worldwide waters, while underlining that the United States rejects China’s territorial claims around the reclaimed islands.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest tossed questions about the USS Lassen the Pentagon’s way.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Wang Yi had said in a statement that “we urge the USA side to think twice, not to take rash moves and stir up trouble” over the issue.

In a terse statement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the Lassen entered the waters “illegally” and without the approval of the Chinese government, “threatening China’s sovereignty and security interests”.

The Chinese embassy in Washington said that the U.S. should not use the concept of freedom of navigation as an excuse to coerce force in the disputed area.

Third, all parties concerned should be included in mechanisms or measures that enhance peace and prosperity in the South China Sea, Massachusetts said, suggesting for example a maritime cooperation mechanism or code of conduct. “This type of operation shouldn’t be seen as provocative”.

Arkansas Republican Dan Sullivan said many members of the senate armed services committee had been concerned that United States “inaction” in the South China Sea was “undermining U.S. credibility”.

The Lassen had earlier been reported to be nearing Subi and Mischief reefs, features that were submerged at high tide before China began a massive dredging project to turn them into islands in 2014.

The reef is claimed by China and is one of several reefs being built up into artificial islands by China, to boost its claim to control of the waters around them.

China says virtually all of the South China Sea belongs to it, while Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam claim either parts or all of it. Since 2013, China has accelerated the creation of new outposts by piling sand atop reefs and atolls then adding buildings, ports and airstrips big enough to handle bombers and fighter jets.

“We operate routinely in the South China Sea and we’ll sail in worldwide waters at a time of our choosing”, another official told AFP news agency.

“That’s why you do these kind of missions”.