Within the next two weeks the United States sends warships close to artificial islands built by China in the South China Sea. It will conduct some risk of clash with Beijing, but who care?
An airstrip being built by China on the Fiery Cross Reef in the South China Sea. Photograph: HANDOUT/Reuters
The US Navy is preparing to send warships inside the 12-nautical-mile territorial limit China claims for its man-made island chain This action could take place within days, but awaits final approval from the Obama administration, the Navy Times reported. The plan to send warships through the contested space have been rumored since May.
Officials in Beijing expressed concerns about the US plans and added that it was on alert for a U.S. Navy incursion.
Separately, the United States stated that it had raised “maritime law enforcement assistance” to $100 million to Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. These countries claim in the South China Sea overlap with China.
You can find a wide analysis of the standoff between China and the US in the video: