The United States Navy will continue patrolling the disputed South China Sea, a top Navy official said Monday, after a Chinese destroyer came dangerously close to an American Navy ship during a "freedom of navigation" sail-by near a Chinese-occupied reef. Admiral John Richardson, who heads US naval operations, said in a news conference with Philippine military officials in Manila on Monday that such patrols highlight the US position against "illegitimate maritime claims." "We will continue to progress this program of freedom of navigation operations," Richardson said.

US to press patrols in disputed sea as China warns 'meddlers'. (2018, October 31). Panay News, p. 7.