Amid tensions with China, US warship USS Benfold passed through the South China Sea as Chinese forces followed the warship. The PLA said the entry of the US warship was "illegal" even as the US Navy said the warship "asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Paracel Island, consistent with international law".

Chinese Navy, Air Force follow US warship in South China Sea

Amid tensions in the South China Sea with China, the US State Department in a document hit out against the "unlawful" claims by President Xi's government. China lays claim to the disputed islands in the South China Sea, however, other countries including Vietnam, Taiwan, Philippines also claim areas surrounding the sea bringing them in conflict with the Chinese regime.

China's claims in South China Sea gravely undermines rule of law: US State Department study

Rex Tillerson said China's building of islands on those islands was "akin to Russia's taking Crimea" from Ukraine

China defiant after Trump's secretary of state pick says it should be barred from South China Sea