Reuters: U.S. bombers flew near China-built island in South China Sea: Pentagon
Two U.S. B52 strategic bombers flew near artificial Chinese-built islands in the South China Sea this week and were contacted by Chinese ground controllers but continued their mission undeterred, the Pentagon said on Thursday.
The latest U.S. patrol in the disputed South China Sea occurred in advance of President Barack Obama's visit to the region next week to attend Asia-Pacific summits where he is expected the reassert Washington's commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the area.
China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes every year, and the United States has said it will continue conducting patrols to assure unimpeded passage. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims in the region.
More News On Two B-52 Bombers Flying Near The Disputed Islands Claimed By China In The South China Sea
US bombers flew near Chinese-built islands in South China Sea: Pentagon -- Sydney Morning Herald
US B-52 bombers flying over South China Sea contacted by Chinese ground control -- ABC News (Australia)
US flies B-52 bombers near disputed islands claimed by China -- The Hill
China warns US B52s on South China Sea flight -- Financial Times
U.S. bombers fly over manmade South China Sea islands -- Washington Examiner
Did China Try Restricting US Bombers in the South China Sea? -- Ankit Panda, The Diplomat