Triton Island
en.wikipedia.org

... History

Lacking a native population, ownership of the Paracel Islands has been disputed since the early 20th century. In the aftermath of the First Indochina War, until 1974 Vietnam occupied Pattle Island, approximately 50 nautical miles (93 km) northeast. Control has been enforced by the People's Republic of China since the Battle of the Paracel Islands....

Skipping ahead ...

ibid ...

...Freedom of navigation maneuvers

On January 30, 2016, the United States warship USS Curtis Wilbur passed within 12 nautical miles of the island. The Pentagon stated that it had notified none of the three claimants to the island beforehand, and stated the reason for the transit was to protect freedom of navigation, "consistent with international law". The People's Republic of China called the voyage "provocative" and that it "violated relevant Chinese laws by entering Chinese territorial waters without prior permission".[9]

In July 2017, the guided missile destroyer USS Stethem navigated within 12 miles of Triton island as part of a FONOP (Freedom of navigation operation).[3]

In May 2018, the guided missile destroyer USS Higgins navigated within 12 miles of Triton island as part of a FONOP (Freedom of navigation operation). [10] ...