A US Navy destroyer sparks war of words after sailing near China-claimed reef
Days after China imposed new maritime identification rules that include the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, sailed within 19.3 kilometres of Mischief Reef, a portion of the Spratly Islands upon which the Chinese have built military facilities.
The territory remains a highly disputed body of water.