A US Navy destroyer carried out a 'freedom of navigation operation' in the South China Sea

Reuters/Erik de Castro

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Navy destroyer carried out a "freedom of navigation operation" on Thursday, within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built up by China in the South China Sea, U.S. officials told Reuters.

The operation came as President Donald Trump's administration seeks Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officials said the USS John S. McCain traveled close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, in a challenge to China’s territorial claims.

 

(Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

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