U.S. Tells Asian Allies That The U.S. Navy Will Patrol Near South China Sea Islands Claimed By China

Artificial islands, like this one planned by China, are causing alarm around the South China Sea (Financial Review).

New York Times: U.S. Tells Asian Allies That Navy Will Patrol Near Islands in South China Sea

BEIJING — The United States has been briefing its allies in Asia on plans to conduct naval patrols near artificial islands built by China in the disputed South China Sea, a move that could escalate tensions with Beijing after President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Washington, American and Asian officials have said.

The “freedom of navigation” patrols, which would come within 12 nautical miles of at least one of the islands, are intended to challenge China’s efforts to claim large parts of the strategic waterway by enlarging rocks and submerged reefs into islands big enough for military airstrips, radar equipment and lodging for soldiers, the officials said.

WNU Editor: The Philippines are on side .... Philippines backs US plan to sail ship near Chinese island (Navy Times/AP), and the U.S. is now talking with Australia .... U.S. discusses South China Sea plans with Australia (Reuters). The Chinese are not going to back down .... Why Beijing Isn't Backing Down on South China Sea (Jeff Stein, Newsweek).

Update: There is some truth to this .... US patrols in the South China Sea will enrage Beijing — and Washington knows it (Global Post).