A U.S. destroyer’s patrol of the South China Sea near a disputed reef was not a provocation against China, White House spokesman Josh Earnest insisted on Thursday.
“It is not intended as a proactive act,” Earnest clarified. “It merely is a demonstration of a principle that the president has laid out,” previously, he added. “The United States will fly, operate, sail anywhere that international law allows,” and the USS William P. Lawrence’s maneuver was “consistent with that principle.”
Such “freedom of navigation” operations are “relatively routine,” Earnest said.
The U.S. has conducted similar operations since tensions over competing claims in the South China Sea have escalated.
The Philippines, Japan and Vietnam are among the countries feuding with China over who owns particular islands, reefs and atolls in the waterway. Australia is increasingly concerned over China’s efforts to stake a claim by building on some of the land, including installing runways.
Obama spoke to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Wednesday evening about a variety of issues, including the land disputes.
“The two leaders reaffirmed their common commitment to key principles in addressing maritime disputes, in particular ensuring freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of disputes, including through arbitration, in accordance with international law,” the White House stated in a readout after their phone conversation.
As Obama heads to the region for the G-7 later this month, U.S. allies are reaffirming their positions on the issue.
