A US Navy warship sailed close to a disputed reef in the South China Sea on Tuesday, a US Department of Defence official said, days after China warned criticism of its claims in the crucial waterway would rebound like a coiled spring. The freedom of navigation operation by the USS William P. Lawrence, traveling within 12 nautical miles of Chinese-occupied Fiery Cross Reef, was to "challenge excessive maritime claims of some claimants in the South China Sea," defense department spokesperson Bill Urban said.

US warship sails near disputed isle. (2016, May 11). Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A10.