Five other governments also hold territorial claims in the South China Sea. Arriving in the home port of China's northern fleet, the USS Benfold held a signals exercise with the Chinese Navy. Since the ruling, China has repeatedly reasserted its historical claim to the virtually the entire strategically vital water body, its islands, reefs, plentiful fish stocks and other resources. Justin L. Harts said the visit aimed to "build relationships" with counterparts from the Chinese Navy, but referred questions on tensions in the South China Sea to Pacific Command in Hawaii. China rejected last month's ruling by the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration in a case initiated by the Philippines, and refused to take part in the arbitration.

Source: ABC News August 08, 2016 03:30 UTC