The US confirmed that it will send warships near "China's artificial islands"

China's illegal construction on the Cross Reef, which it seized from Vietnam by force (Source: Reuters)

China has now established a restricted access zone around the artificial islands, thereby turning international waters into its property. However, Washington does not accept China's sovereignty claims.

The US Navy is developing plans to send at least one warship into the exclusion zone, up to 12 nautical miles from the islands. The plan would require White House approval and would signal that the US will not allow China to restrict freedom of navigation, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Asked about the plans, Navy spokesman William Marks said he could not discuss future military plans. But he said the US Navy "will continue to operate in international waters in the South China Sea, in accordance with international rules." He also said the US would operate in those waters whenever it wanted.

This week, the issue of China's artificial island building has attracted attention, after US and Chinese officials made comments that showed they are still at odds over the future of the South China Sea.

Admiral Scott Swift, commander of the US Navy's Pacific Fleet, said while in Australia that the US would protect freedom of navigation in international waters through "constant presence, exercises with allies and partners, and operations that ensure freedom of navigation."

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, said later that Beijing was very concerned about the US position. She also said that US and Chinese officials had had in-depth exchanges on the issue and Washington was well aware of China's position.

However, Pentagon spokesman Bill Urban stated that the US is present and will actively operate daily in the East China Sea as well as the South China Sea. Washington does not accept "maritime claims" that exceed what is allowed under international law.

The Navy Times reported on Wednesday that President Barack Obama is close to approving the deployment of the ship to the South China Sea. Defense officials told the Washington Post that the planned deployment would be carried out by a destroyer or cruiser, both of which carry helicopters and a variety of weapons.

The US could also send a less heavily armed littoral combat ship (LCS) to the South China Sea. These officials all said the US Navy does not expect a clash with the Chinese side because of this move.

“The goal of sending a ship is to demonstrate that it is international waters,” one official said. “Whether the ship being sent is a missile-laden destroyer or a less heavily armed LCS, weapons are not the central factor.”

According to Vietnam+