China has summoned the US ambassador after a US Navy destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of artificial islands in the South China Sea. The Chinese vice-foreign minister, Zhang Yesui, branded the move "extremely irresponsible" during a meeting with Ambassador Max Baucus, according to state television.
The USS Lassen, a guided-missile destroyer, began its transit through waters near the Spratly archipelago early on Tuesday. US defence officials confirmed the vessel had passed near Mischief and Subi reefs, which China has been dredging and building on since 2014. Chinese authorities said they had monitored, followed and warned the warship for what they termed an illegal entry.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang expressed strong dissatisfaction, warning that further "provocative actions" could lead to accelerated Chinese construction in the area. "We hope that the US side will not take actions that will backfire," he said, declining to comment on whether China would consider a military response.
The US defence secretary, Ash Carter, confirmed the operation during a Senate hearing, saying the ship had passed within 12 miles of a Chinese artificial island. The mission was conducted without prior notification to Chinese officials, according to US sources.
Analysts described the deployment as a deliberate show of force. Ian Storey of Singapore's Institute of South East Asian Studies noted the US chose a warship rather than a smaller vessel to send a "very clear message" of seriousness. Rory Medcalf of the Australian National University called it a warning against China overstating its claim that the US is unwelcome in the region.
The episode escalates tensions in the South China Sea, where China's island-building and military infrastructure have drawn criticism from neighbouring countries and the United States. China insists on its sovereignty and has urged the US to avoid provocative actions that could undermine regional stability.
