Reuters, Washington :
The Pentagon is considering sending United States military aircraft and ships to assert ‘freedom of navigation’ around rapidly growing Chinese-made artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea, a US official said on Tuesday.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter requested options that include sending aircraft and ships within 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) of reefs that China has been building up in the Spratly island chain, the official said.
Such a move would directly challenge Chinese efforts to expand its influence in the maritime heart of Southeast Asia.
The Pentagon is considering sending United States military aircraft and ships to assert ‘freedom of navigation’ around rapidly growing Chinese-made artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea, a US official said on Tuesday.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter requested options that include sending aircraft and ships within 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) of reefs that China has been building up in the Spratly island chain, the official said.
Such a move would directly challenge Chinese efforts to expand its influence in the maritime heart of Southeast Asia.
