China condemns US navy operation in South China Sea

US Navy destroyer USS Mustin carried out a “freedom of navigation” operation within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built by China in the South China Sea.

world Updated: Mar 23, 2018 18:26 IST
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) transits in formation with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Kirisame (DD 104) during bilateral training in South China Sea.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) transits in formation with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Kirisame (DD 104) during bilateral training in South China Sea.(REUTERS File)

China’s defence ministry said on Friday the United States had seriously harmed the country’s sovereignty and security after a US Navy destroyer carried out a “freedom of navigation” operation in the disputed South China Sea.

Provocative behaviour by the United States will only cause the Chinese military to strengthen its defence capabilities, the ministry said in a statement.

The US Navy destroyer carried out the operation on Friday, coming within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built by China in the South China Sea, US officials told Reuters

US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, had said that the USS Mustin travelled close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands. China has territorial disputes with its neighbours over the area.