US steps up freedom of navigation patrols in South China Sea to counter Beijing’s ambitions

Two of the operations have already been carried out in the disputed waters this year and American officials have signalled there will be more to come

Observers say the pressure is unlikely to deter Beijing

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The USS Decatur was as close as 41 metres to China’s Luyang destroyer when the US warship sailed into the Gaven and Johnson reefs in the Spratlys in September. Photo: US Navy/AP

Published: 10:00pm, 16 Feb 2019Updated: 11:28pm, 16 Feb 2019

The United States has stepped up its freedom of navigation operations in the disputed South China Sea as it challenges Beijing’s efforts to strengthen its maritime claims in the region.

American officials have signalled Washington will boost measures to counter China’s expansion in the area, and include allies in future missions, but observers say Beijing is unlikely to be deterred.

The US has already conducted two freedom of navigation operations in the disputed waters this year. In January, the USS McCampbell sailed near the Paracel Islands, and on February 11, the USS Spruance and the USS Preble sailed near Mischief Reef in the Spratlys – both actions triggering condemnation from Beijing.

Washington reportedly carried out five such operations last year and four in 2017, according to a defence department report. That compared to four in both 2016 and 2015.

Remarks this week from Admiral Phil Davidson, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, suggest the operations will become more frequent. Davidson told the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday that Beijing was spreading its influence “through fear and coercion”, and there would be more freedom of navigation operations by the US and its allies, including Britain, to send the message that the international community did not accept China’s claims in the region.