A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Tuesday, three U.S. officials said, even as President Donald Trump's administration seeks China's cooperation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.
The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters. It was not as provocative as previous ones carried out since Trump took office in January.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the USS Chafee, a guided-missile destroyer, carried out normal maneuvering operations that challenged "excessive maritime claims" near the Paracel Islands, which are one of a string of islets, reefs and shoals over which China has territorial disputes with its neighbors.