US Navy destroyer enters 12 nautical miles of artificial islands built by China in South China Sea

A U.S. Navy destroyer came within 12 nautical miles of artificial islands built by China in the South China Sea, a U.S. official told Reuters, describing it as a "freedom of navigation" operation.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the destroyer Decatur traveled within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson Reefs in the Spratly Islands.