WASHINGTON — A US missile destroyer passed close to a tiny disputed island in the South China Sea late on Friday in the Pentagon’s latest assertion of naval freedom despite growing territorial feuds there.
Navy Captain Jeff Davis said the ship, the USS Curtis Wilbur, passed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island, one of a series of coral islands and reefs known as the Paracel Islands, whose ownership is disputed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
‘‘This operation was about challenging excessive maritime claims that restrict the rights and freedoms of the United States and others, not about territorial claims to land features,’’ Davis said in a statement early on Saturday.
China’s Ministry of Defense spokesman Yang Yujun said in a statement the US action ‘‘severely violated the law.’’
‘‘It damaged the peaceful, safe and good order in relevant waters and is not beneficial to regional peace and stability,’’ said Yang.
Last week’s action is not the first time in recent months the Pentagon has flexed its muscles in the area. In October, Chinese officials described as ‘‘dangerous and provocative’’ a US decision to send a warship within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island developed by China.
US officials are particularly worried by the growing territorial claims from China, which has launched an aggressive campaign to claim and build up islands in the South China Sea.
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has signaled his intent to defy Chinese attempts to expand its influence in the area, and to ensure that sea lanes remain open for international military and commercial use.
The Obama administration is facing pressure from critics to more actively defy Chinese claims and to reassure smal- ler Asian allies that the biggest Asian power won’t be permitted to expand unabated. But there are fears such patrols could lead to a dangerous escalation in military tensions.
China has called such actions an attempt to militarize the South China Sea, and has said US shows of force may prompt it to accelerate construction on man-made islands.
