The US Navy has stated that the United States undertook a 'freedom of navigation' exercise near the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, by dispatching its Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, USS Chancellorsville.
"USS Chancellorsville sailed near the Paracel Islands to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law," Nathan Christensen, the spokesman for the US Pacific Fleet stated.
Even though a Chinese vessel trailed the US cruiser, the South China Morning Post reported that all exchanges were professional and safe. A formal diplomatic protest has been lodged by China ever since.
The disputed waters have overlapping territorial claims on it, with China, the Philippines, Vietnam (amongst others) all staking a claim on the sea.
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