The Pentagon sent a warship to sail near a disputed reef in the South China Sea on Tuesday as the US made a fresh bid to counter China's territorial claims in the disputed maritime territory.

According to a senior defense official, the U.S.S. William P. Lawrence, a guided-missile destroyer, navigated within 12 nautical miles of Fiery Cross Reef - a part of Spratly Islands - on Tuesday.

Like Us on Facebook

It is not clear whether the Chinese navy or military officials were able to make any radio contact with the US warship. This is typically the case when US or enemy ship navigates near Chinese maritime territory.    

China has still not released any official statement over the US latest operation in the South China Sea. Experts say the move is certain to provoke angry reactions from officials in Beijing.    

Tuesday's operation is part of the US' freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea, which was initiated last year to Challenge Beijing's construction of artificial islands spread in the disputed area.

Despite international pressure, China continues to defiantly carry out construction activities on various artificial islands in the South China Sea. Beijing has also sent several high-ranking military officials to its new islands to assert its rights over the region.

In response, the US recently carried out joint military drills with the Philippines in the South China Sea. The US is trying to forge unity between all the claimant countries in a bid to increase diplomatic pressure on China.

TagsSouth China Sea, spratly islands, US and China