Analysts: US Navy patrol meant to challenge China's claims

MANILA, Philippines — The United States' "freedom of navigation" operation in the South China Sea was intended to challenge the inordinate maritime claims of China, eminent analysts said.

In a report released by a Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies on Tuesday, maritime security experts Michael Green, Bonnie Glaser and Gregory Poling said the US considers China's maritime claims over the South China Sea as excessive under international law.

The US Navy recently sent guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen to sail within 12 nautical miles of Subi Reef, one of China's artificial islands, in an maritime area also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

The purpose of the operation was to assert that the US "does not recognize a 12-nautical-mile territorial sea or any other maritime entitlements generated by reefs that were originally submerged but on which China has built artificial islands."

The analysts, however, clarified that the FON operation was not intended to challenge China's claim to Subi Reef.

"FON operations are not primarily about military deterrence or diplomatic messaging, though in a politically charged atmosphere like the South China Sea those play a role," the report said.

The US military has been conducting FON operations regularly all over the world since 1979. In 2014, the US started conducting FON operations to contest the claims of several countries over the South China Sea.

US Assistant Secretary of Defense David Shear said the US has not conducted FON operations inside 12 nautical miles of any feature of the disputed sea since 2012.

FON operations seek to reinforce the US' interpretations of international maritime law, the analysts said.

"They are a means to ensure that U.S. naval, coast guard, and civilian ships, and by extension those of all nations, maintain unrestricted access to their rights at sea," the experts said.

In the case of its navigation near Subi Reef, the US also seeks to demonstrate its commitment to freedom of navigation.

Several countries have expressed concern over China's massive reclamation activities and construction of potential military facilities and airstrips in the Spratly group of islands.

The US earlier clarified that it will not take sides on the territorial disputes in the Spratlys but shares the concern of regional states over China's claims.

"The FON operation around Subi is part of that overall strategy—it is a practical demonstration that the United States will not accede to maritime claims that violate international law, and it places pressure on China’s leaders to give a legal rationale for their objections to the operation," the report said.

Meanwhile, China has expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition against the FON operation of the US in Subi Reef.

"The actions of the US warship have threatened China's sovereignty and security interests, jeopardized the safety of personnel and facilities on the reefs, and damaged regional peace and stability," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.

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