タグ: Spratly Islands

According to a Navy Times article on September 7, 2015, the U.S. Navy is planning to send a surface ship to challenge China’s 12-nautical mile territorial limit around disputed islets in the South China Sea’s Spratly islands chain.

China has expressed concern about the possibility of such a move. Earlier this year, U.S. Defense secretary Ash Carter stated on May 27, 2015 at Pearl Harbor :

Second – and there should be no mistake, should be no mistake about this – the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as we do all around the world.

 If the U.S. Navy does enter the 12-nautical mile zone, the question is how will China react? Will Chinese vessels shadow, warn, or open fire on the U.S. vessel?

Some may see that as a dangerous game of brinksmanship on the part of both the U.S. and China. What is your opinion? Please leave your comments and let us know.

Photo: US Pacific Fleet via flickr