US Conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation in South China Sea

The U.S. Navy says it has asserted its "navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea" by sailing one of its destroyers near the disputed Spratly Islands.

The 7th Fleet said the freedom of navigation operation conducted Saturday by the USS Benfold upholds "the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging restrictions on innocent passage imposed by the Peopl