U.S. warship sails near island claimed by China in S. China Sea

Pentagon says operation challenges attempts by 3 claimants -- China, Taiwan and Vietnam -- to restrict navigation rights and freedoms

Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou gives a speech on the disputed Itu Aba or Taiping island in the South China Sea, on Saturday. Mr. Ma Ying-jeou defended his visit to the disputed island despite criticism from the United States and protests from the other claimants as tensions swirl in the region.

A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of an island claimed by China in the South China Sea on Saturday, in an operation the Pentagon said was designed to challenge efforts to restrict freedom of navigation.

Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said no ships from China’s military were in the vicinity of the USS Curtis Wilbur when it carried out the operation near Triton Island in the Paracel Islands.

Challenge to 3 claimants

“This operation challenged attempts by the three claimants -- China, Taiwan and Vietnam -- to restrict navigation rights and freedoms,” Captain Davis said.