The U.S. Navy plans to send the destroyer USS Lassen within 12 nautical miles of Chinese artificial islands in the South China Sea in next 24 hours, Reuters reported Monday, quoting anonymous U.S. defense official. 

According to Reuters’ report, the ship is likely to be accompanied by a U.S. Navy P-8A surveillance plane and possibly a P-3 surveillance plane, which has previously conducted surveillance missions in the region.

This would be the first time the United States has gone within 12 miles of Chinese artificial islands.

China has been firmly opposing any country using the freedom of navigation and over-flight as an excuse to undermine other countries' sovereignty and security. “We urge the U.S. side to work with China and play a responsible and constructive role in maintaining peace and stability of the South China Sea,” said China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying on regular press conference on October 15, 2015.