After months of signaling intent, the United States has finally made good on its promise to conduct a freedom of navigation patrol through the South China Sea. To little fanfare, the guided missile destroyer USLassen transited the area Tuesday, sailing within 12 nautical miles of at least two Chinese-occupied reefs. Beijing said its forces shadowed the US vessel. Chinese officials then protested the move, accusing the United States of escalating tension and of violating Chinese territorial waters.

Lim, R. M. (2015, October 29). Renewed tension in the South China Sea. The Philippine Star, p. 9.