Report: U.S. challenged China, 12 other nations on navigation rights in 2015

Report: U.S. challenged China, 12 other nations on navigation rights in 2015

Special to WorldTribune.com The United States carried out “freedom of navigation” operations against China and 12 other countries last year, the Pentagon reported on April 25. China’s sovereignty claims and military buildup in the South China Sea were the main focus of the missions and U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the Navy would continue […]

China deploys missile system to disputed S. China Sea island

China deploys missile system to disputed S. China Sea island

Special to WorldTribune.com Satellite images show China has deployed the advanced HQ-9 surface-to-air missile system to a disputed island in the South China Sea. Taiwanese and U.S. officials confirmed that batteries of the HQ-9 surface-to-air missile launchers were set up on Woody Island in the Paracels chain, according to a report by Reuters. China, Taiwan […]

U.S. warned not ‘to violate territorial waters’ China now claims

U.S. warned not ‘to violate territorial waters’ China now claims

Special to WorldTribune.com China warned against any “provocative actions” in what it claims as its territorial waters a day after the Pentagon said it was considering sending warships close to China’s man-made islands in the South China Sea. A U.S. defense official on Oct. 8 said that American ships would navigate within 12-nautical-mile zones around […]

Pentagon set to send U.S. warships to China’s artificial islands

Pentagon set to send U.S. warships to China’s artificial islands

Special to WorldTribune.com Pentagon officials are planning to send U.S. warships near artificial islands built by China in the South China Sea if the White House approves, officials told the Navy Times. A U.S. defense official said that the U.S. ships would navigate within 12-nautical-mile zones around the artificial islands in the Spratly chain that China claims […]

China ignores U.S. objections, continues to seize control of strategic sea lanes

China ignores U.S. objections, continues to seize control of strategic sea lanes

Special to WorldTribune.com The United States is ramping up its criticism as China continues its dredging and militarization  on several disputed islands in the South China Sea. “The South China Sea, as the name indicated, is a sea area. It belongs to China,” declared Chinese PLAN Vice Adm. Yuan Yubai. “The South China Sea is […]