US Navy's South China Sea passing criticized

The Foreign Ministry and a military spokesman called out the United States Navy on Monday for violating China's sovereignty and disturbing peace and security in the South China Sea.

On Monday morning, the destroyer USS Preble sailed within 12 nautical miles of China's Huangyan Island without the Chinese government's permission, Senior Colonel Li Huamin, spokesman for the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, said on Monday in an online statement.

In response, the command mobilized air and maritime forces to identify and warn the US ship in accordance with laws and regulations, Li said.