USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54), a US Navy guided-missile destroyer has sailed near an island claimed by China in the West Philippine Sea.
Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said that they didn’t encounter any military ships on their way when it carried out the operation near the Paracel Islands.
The Pentagon said that the operation was designed to test the freedom of navigation in the area.
“This operation challenged attempts by the three claimants – China, Taiwan and Vietnam – to restrict navigation rights and freedoms,” according to Captain Davis.
USS Curtis Wilbur just visited and docked in Manila Bay last January 27, 2015, as part of a routine visit for maintenance and crew rest.
Captain Davis of the Pentagon: either the US sails and challenges China or shuts up. When was the last time either Taiwan or Vietnam restricts navigation rights and freedoms near or around China-controlled Paracel islands chain? In fact, I need to remind you that these islets were under Vietnamese occupation for over 250 years until the US permitted (if not colluded by Nixon/Kissinger) China to mobilize 26 warships for the invasion of your ally South Vietnam in 1974 – under the watchful eyes of the 7th fleet.