A "displeased" Beijing has slammed a US Navy destroyer's "freedom of navigation operation" near one of its artificial islands in the South China Sea, labelling the exercise a provocation.
The operation in the contested waters comes as President Donald Trump's administration seeks Chinese co-operation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear programs and could complicate efforts to secure a common stance.
US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the USS John S McCain travelled to within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, among a string of islets, reefs and shoals.
China has territorial disputes with its neighbours over the area.
It was the third "freedom of navigation operation" during Trump's presidency.
Thursday's operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, and comes as Trump is seeking China's co-operation to rein in North Korea.
China's defence ministry said two Chinese warships "jumped into action" and warned the US ship to leave, labelling the move a "provocation" that seriously harms mutual trust.
"China is resolutely opposed to this kind of show of force and pushing of regional militarisation by the US that may easily cause an unexpected incident at sea or in the air," it said.
China's foreign ministry said the operation had violated international and Chinese law and seriously harmed Beijing's sovereignty and security.
"China is very displeased with this and will bring up the issue with the US side," the ministry said.
The US has criticised China's construction of islands and build-up of military facilities in the sea.
Twelve nautical miles marks the territorial limits recognised internationally.
Sailing within those 12 miles is meant to show the US does not recognise territorial claims there.
Share
