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The U.S. Navy will continue patrolling the disputed South China Sea, a top Navy official said Monday, after a Chinese destroyer came dangerously close to an American Navy ship during a "freedom of navigation" sail to Chinese-occupied reef.
Admiral John Richardson, who heads U.S. naval operations, said in a news conference with Philippine military officials in Manila on Monday that such patrols highlight the U.S. position against "illegitimate maritime claims."
"We will continue to progress this program of freedom of navigation operations," Richardson said. "We do dozens of these operations around the world to claim for … illegitimate claims, maritime claims."
While Washington has no claims to the strategic waterway, it has declared that freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of the disputes in the U.S. national interest. The U.S. has also questioned China's expansive claims, bringing it into collision with Beijing as the country's deteriorate.
A Chinese destroyer came close to the USS Decatur in late September in an "unsafe and unprofessional maneuver" near Gaven Reef in the South China Sea, forcing it to maneuver to prevent a collision, according to the Pacific Fleet U.S.
U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Tim Gorman said the Chinese destroyer approached within 45 yards (41 meters) of the Decatur's bow. China said the Luoyang, a Chinese missile destroyer, has been deployed to identify the United States of America.
Gaven is claimed by China, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. Malaysia and Brunei also have claims in the South China Sea.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is on a visit to southern Davao city in the Philippines, said in a few words that some "non-regional countries" have been stirring up trouble in the disputed waters and "having been showing off their force. "
Wang said China and Southeast Asian nations should guard against foreign interference. China has always criticized what it says is U.S. meddling in an Asian territorial dispute.
"We are working together to prevent and prevent interferences and disruptions from China and the Philippines and other littoral states of the South China Sea are cooperating to uphold peace and cooperation," Wang said.
The Chinese and Philippine coast guards have been set up in the disputed waters. Other possible arrangements are being discussed for ships and aircraft, he said.
"Mechanisms of this kind can effectively avoid misjudgment, prevent unexpected incidents," Wang said. "China is also willing to build relationships with other states and states that it needs to be improved."
