US moves in South China Sea undermine stability

China denounced on Tuesday the frequent moves by United States warships and aircraft into the South China Sea and vowed to take steps to safeguard national sovereignty as well as peace and stability in the waters.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin made the remarks after the US Navy announced that two carrier strike groups coordinated operations in the South China Sea early on Tuesday.

The last time the US conducted dual carrier operations in the South China Sea was in July, when the Foreign Ministry said the action was intended to drive a wedge among countries and promote the militarization of the South China Sea.

The latest US move of showing off its strength in the South China Sea was not conducive to regional peace and stability, Wang said.

"China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and security and work with countries in the region to firmly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea," he said.

The incident took place days after the US warship the USS John S.McCain transited the Taiwan Straits, the first such mission by the US Navy since President Joe Biden took office.

Also on Tuesday, Agence France-Presse cited French Defense Minister Florence Parly as saying that a French nuclear attack submarine was among two navy vessels that recently conducted a patrol in the South China Sea.

In response to the action, Wang said that freedom of navigation and overflight has never encountered any problem in the South China Sea.

In accordance with international law, China always respects the freedom of navigation and overflight currently exercised by all countries in the South China Sea, Wang said.

However, he said, China opposes any country that undermines Chinese sovereignty and security and damages regional peace and tranquillity in the name of freedom of navigation.