Story highlights Chinese frigates “warned and dispelled” the USS Dewey, China says The US Navy operation is the first of its kind since President Trump took office A US official previously claimed the Pentagon wanted to cool tensions in the region (CNN) A US Navy destroyer has sailed close to a disputed South China Sea island controlled by China for the first time under US President Donald Trump. The USS Dewey sailed within 12 miles (20 kilometers) of Mischief Reef, in the Spratly Island chain, on Wednesday, in a “freedom of navigation operation,” according to a US official. China’s Defense Ministry said Thursday two Chinese frigates had “warned and dispelled” the USS Dewey after had entered its waters “without permission.” “We firmly opposed to the US behavior of showing force and boosting regional militarization, and have made solemn representation to the US side,” Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said. While he didn’t confirm details of this particular operation, Pentagon Spokesperson Capt. Jeff Davis told CNN, “We operate in the Asia-Pacific region on a daily basis, including in the South China Sea.” Read More “We operate in accordance with international law. We fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows,” he… Read full this story
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