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"We are conducting routine operations in the South China Sea in accordance with international law," the official said.

"US forces operate in the Asia-Pacific region on a daily basis, including in the South China Sea."


A Philippine soldier patrols a beach on Pagasa Island (Thitu Island) in the Spratly group of islands in the South China Sea, west of Palawan, on May 11, 2015 (AFP Photo/Ritchie B. Tongo)

The official stressed that these operations are "distinct from the question of sovereignty over these islands."

Beijing insists it has sovereign rights to nearly all of the South China Sea, even waters close to the coasts of other states.

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USS Lassen


(US Navy photo)

#The ship is an Arleigh Burke class missile destroyer, which the US Navy says is among the most powerful destroyers ever built.

#It is 155m (509ft) long with a displacement of 9,145 tonnes when fully loaded.

#Crewed by a staff of about 330.

#It carries two Seahawk helicopters and uses the Aegis defence system.

#Weapons include Tomahawk missiles, RUM-139 Asroc anti-submarine missiles and surface-to-air missiles.

Source: US Navy
BBC

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the maritime game officially begins...

china actually did it earlier to the u.s.:

"Chinese navy ships entered U.S. territorial waters off Alaska in September, coming within 12 miles of the coastline during President Barack Obama's visit to the state, U.S. officials told CNN at the time.

The officials said that China's actions were consistent with "'innocent passage' under international maritime law."

Another U.S. defense official told CNN that the operation was "routine" and was in accordance with international law.

"We will fly, sail and operate anywhere in the world that international law allows," the official said.

"U.S. Freedom of Navigation operations are global in scope and executed against a wide range of excessive maritime claims, irrespective of the coastal state advancing the excessive claim," the official added.

His comments echoed those of State Department spokesman John Kirby, who said Monday that a country didn't need to consult another "when you are exercising the right of freedom of navigation in international waters." On Tuesday, Kirby reiterated his point and said it was "a right, it's a principle."

-more at http://edition.cnn.com/2015/10/27/asia/us-china-south-china-sea/index.html

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