China's Defense Ministry also expressed discontent at the actions of the US, describing the illegal entry of the warship into Chinese waters as a severe provocation.

Spokesman Yang Yujun said that the US has turned a deaf ear to China's warnings many times, and is sticking to its agenda of militarising the South China Sea.

Yang said the US is trying to stir up regional tension and profit from it. He said it is necessary and reasonable for China to deploy defensive facilities on the Nansha islands.

He also said China is determined to protect national sovereignty by strengthening naval and air force patrols and reinforcing defense capabilities in the region.