WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A U.S. Navy destroyer came within 12 nautical miles of artificial islands built by China in the South China Sea, a U.S. official told Reuters, describing it as a “freedom of navigation” operation.
An aerial view of uninhabited island of Spratlys in the disputed South China Sea, April 21, 2017. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the destroyer Decatur traveled within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson Reefs in the Spratly Islands.
Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky
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source: reuters.com