The operation was not aimed at making a political statement, U. S. officials say.
A U. S. guided-missile destroyer sailed near the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea claimed by China as U. S. officials meet their counterparts in Beijing for talks during a truce in a bitter trade war.
The USS McCampbell carried out a « freedom of navigation » operation, sailing within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Island chain, « to challenge excessive maritime claims, » Pacific Fleet spokeswoman Rachel McMarr said in an emailed statement.
