The commander of US forces in the Pacific says America should challenge China's claim to territory in the South China Sea by patrolling close to artificial islands built by Beijing.
Admiral Harry Harris has told a Senate hearing that China was building three airfields on the islands and their further militarization posed a threat to all countries in the region.
With Chinese President Xi Jinping due to visit Washington shortly, the admiral said US forces should challenge China by sailing within 12 nautical miles of the artificial islands.
