CHINA/FOREIGN POLICY/NAVY/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Tuesday [10-10-17], three U.S. officials told Reuters, even as President Donald Trump’s administration seeks Chinese 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. But 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 Chafee, a guided-missile destroyer, carried out normal maneuvering operations that challenged ‘excessive maritime claims’ near the Paracel Islands, among a string of islets, reefs and shoals over which China has territorial disputes with its neighbors…
China’s claims in the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in shipborne trade passes each year are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam…
The United States has said it would like to see more international participation in freedom-of-navigation operations in the South China Sea.”
-Idrees Ali, “Exclusive: U.S. warship sails near disputed island in South China Sea – U.S. officials,” Reuters, Oct. 10, 2017 12:31pm