China resolutely opposes US provocation in South China Sea: spokesperson
BEIJING -- Chinese Defense Ministry strongly objects to the illegal entry of a US warship into China's waters off the Nansha Islands, said a ministry spokesperson Friday.
Wu Qian said in a statement that missile frigates Huaibei and Fushun of the Chinese Navy were immediately sent to identify the US warship, warn and expel it.
The USS John S. McCain illegally entered the waters near the reef in South China Sea earlier on Thursday. China has sovereignty of the Nansha Islands and its adjacent waters.
The US military forces intrusion under the guise of "freedom of navigation" will intensify regional militarization and may result in maritime or air accidents, said Wu.
"Such provocation will only drive China to improve its defense capacity," Wu added.
Chinese Foreign Ministry also protested US activity on Thursday.
Related story:
US destroyer in South China Sea violated law, harmed security
- China satisfied with relations with ASEAN, situation in South China Sea 'stabilized remarkably': FM
- China trade depends more on peace in South China Sea shipping lanes
- Time for Vietnam to readjust attitude and promote peace in South China Sea
- US destroyer in South China Sea violated law, harmed security
- Zhanjiang deepens ties with Hainan, integrates into New Western Land-Sea Corridor
- Gansu leads China in museums per capita
- Cornell students and faculty explore agricultural development in China during cultural exchange program
- Taiyuan State-owned liquor factory head suspended after assault on former distributor
- Fujian accelerates cross-Strait integration efforts
- China's tech firm deploys AI model in orbit, unveils massive space computing plan
