The U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ships USS Bonhomme Richard (bottom) and USS Boxer (second from top) are pictured in the East Sea during Exercise Ssang Yong 2016 March 8. PHOTO: REUTERS/U.S. MARINE CORPS/CPL. DARIEN J. BJORNDAL/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS
Reuters: U.S. plans third patrol near disputed South China Sea islands: source
The U.S. Navy plans to conduct another passage near disputed islands in the South China Sea in early April, a source familiar with the plan said on Friday, the third in series of challenges that have drawn sharps rebukes from China.
The exact timing of the exercise and which ship would travel inside a 12-nautical mile limit around a disputed island was not immediately clear.
The United States has conducted what it calls "freedom of navigation" exercises in recent months, sailing near disputed islands to underscore its right to navigate the seas. U.S. Navy officials have said they plan to conduct more and increasingly complex exercises in the future.
The U.S.S. Stennis carrier strike group is currently operating in the South China Sea. The next freedom of navigation exercise is unlikely to be conducted by a carrier like the Stennis, but rather by a smaller ship, the source said.
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Update #1: US plans third patrol near disputed islands in South China Sea (South China Morning Post)
Update #2: South China Sea Controversy Update: US Plans Freedom-Of-Navigation Patrol Despite Warning From China (IBTimes)
WNU Editor: I guess the U.S. is not taking seriously Chinese warnings to stay out ..... China Warns The U.S. Navy To Be Careful In The South China Sea.