U.S., China: Chinese Warship Challenges American Destroyer Near Disputed Islands

A Chinese warship almost struck a U.S. destroyer conducting a freedom of navigation patrol near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, the U.S. Pacific Fleet announced Oct. 1. The United States said a Chinese destroyer came within 41 meters (45 yards) of the USS Decatur on Sept. 30, forcing the U.S. warship to take evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision. The Chinese Defense Ministry blamed the United States for the incident, claiming it had violated China's waters and threatened its security and sovereignty....