China-US relations appear to be heading down the wrong path after American military officials recently indicated that US ships and aircraft would be sent to disputed waters in the South China Sea notwithstanding China's territorial claims in the region, says Duowei News, a US-based Chinese political news outlet.
"Make no mistake, we will fly, sail and operate wherever international law permits," said US defense secretary Ash Carter on Oct. 13, in response to a question about China's aggressive land reclamation activities in the South China Sea, where it is engaged in territorial disputes with countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines.
"We will do that in the time and place of our choosing," he added.
Carter's statements came a day after the New York Times reported that the US plans to conduct naval patrols within 12 nautical miles of China's man-made islands in the South China Sea. Under international law, territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from the coast.
Read the full story at Want China Times