US Navy destroyer sails close to China’s artificial islands

US Navy Destroyer moved as close as 12 nautical miles to an artificial island built by China in the South China Sea while carrying out “freedom of navigation operation”, reported Reuters. 

The agency in its article has claimed that the information was provided by a US official. 

According to the report the operation was conducted as US President Donald Trump seeks China’s cooperation in dealing with North Korea’s nuclear programs.

An US official told the agency that that USS John S McCain traveled close to Mischief Reef in Sparty Islands, where China has territorial disputes with its neighbours over the water area.

During Trump’s presidency the operation has been carried out for the third time. 

The agency writes that the operation was carried out as the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters. 

The United States earlier has criticized China's construction of islands and build-up of military facilities in the sea.