Military warns off US destroyer intruding in Chinese waters

The Chinese military organized naval and air forces on Tuesday to warn off a United Sates destroyer that intruded into China's territorial waters off the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea, according to a military spokesman.

The USS Barry (DDG-52), a guided missile destroyer, illegally trespassed into the territorial waters without permission, Senior Colonel Li Huamin, spokesman for the People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command, said on Tuesday.

China had dispatched ships and aircraft to follow, monitor and identify the US warship before warning it off, Li said.

The intrusion, incompatible with united global efforts to curb the coronavirus pandemic, has severely violated related international law, as well as infringed on China’s sovereignty and security.

The US' aggressive approach increased regional security risks and broke the common will of countries in the area to keep the peace and stability of the South China Sea, Li added.

"We urged the US to focus on the prevention and control of its domestic epidemic while making efforts to the global fight against the pandemic, and immediately cease conducting military operations that damage regional security and stability," Li said.