US warship sails near disputed island in South China Sea - US officials

WASHINGTON - A US Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Tuesday, three US officials told Reuters, even as President Donald Trump's administration seeks Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Chafee, a guided-missile destroyer, challenged "excessive maritime claims" near the Paracel Islands, among a string of islets, reefs and shoals over which China has territorial disputes with its neighbors.

Unlike in August, when another US Navy destroyer came within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built up by China in the South China Sea, officials said the destroyer on Tuesday sailed close to but not within that range of the islands.

Twelve nautical miles mark internationally recognized territorial limits. Sailing within that range is meant to show the United States does not recognize territorial claims there.

The Pentagon did not comment directly on the operation, but said the United States carried out regular freedom-of-navigation operations and would continue to do so.

EXCLUSIVE: A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China to challenge its 'excessive maritime claims' https://t.co/r1slNRDYAr pic.twitter.com/JAKsUXBJka

— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) October 10, 2017

Tuesday's operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters.

Trump's administration is also seeking China’s cooperation to rein in North Korea,

In recent weeks, North Korea has launched two missiles over Japan and conducted its sixth nuclear test, all in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, and may be fast advancing toward its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland. — Reuters