USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54), a US Navy guided-missile destroyer has sailed near an island claimed by China in the West Philippine Sea.
Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said that they didn’t encounter any military ships on their way when it carried out the operation near the Paracel Islands.
The Pentagon said that the operation was designed to test the freedom of navigation in the area.
“This operation challenged attempts by the three claimants - China, Taiwan and Vietnam - to restrict navigation rights and freedoms,” according to Captain Davis.
USS Curtis Wilbur just visited and docked in Manila Bay last January 27, 2015, as part of a routine visit for maintenance and crew rest.
