(VOVworld) - The New York Times quoted US officials as saying on Monday that the US plans to conduct naval patrols near the artificial islands built by China in the East Sea. The “freedom of navigation” patrols would come within 12 nautical miles of at least one of the islands in Vietnam’s Truong Sa archipelago.

Aerial photo of apparent land reclamation under way in the Spratly Islands in the East Sea
(photo: theguardian.com)

David Shear, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, said the US has conducted similar patrols, but hasn’t come within the 12-nautical miles of islands claimed by China.

Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV, Chairman of the National Defense and Security Committee, said Monday that he welcomed the decision. He said patrols are necessary to break up obstructions without increasing regional tension.

A report by the US Defense Department on August 20 said that China has continued to illegally build islands in the East Sea in recent months and has increased patrols in surrounding sea areas to affirm its sovereignty claim. The Maritime Security Strategy in Asia-Pacific said China’s illegal construction of islands has doubled since May.

US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said the US army will conduct flights and cruises to any sea area allowed by international law.