A United States Navy war ship neared an artificial island built by China in the South China Sea on Wednesday in the first U.S. freedom of navigation operation under the Trump administration, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The maneuver was conducted near Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, which are the subject of territorial disputes between China and other countries in the region. The freedom of navigation operation is a signal by the U.S. to assert its intention to keep critical sea lanes open, according to The Wall Street Journal.

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The patrol on Wednesday came within 12 nautical miles of one of the islands, meaning that it is considered a challenge to China's claim under international law.

The last such operation was conducted under the Obama administration in October.

In conducting the freedom of navigation patrol, President Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE is likely to anger China at a time when the U.S. is seeking increased cooperation with the country to help rein in North Korea.

The U.S. has long voiced concern over China's territorial claims in the sea, as well as Beijing's construction of manmade islands and military installations there, which is seen by Washington as an effort by China to limit and control strategic sea lanes in the region.