Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

China's Ministry of National Defense says it has lodged an official complaint with Washington, after a US Navy guided-missile destroyer, the USS Decatur, sailed through Chinese territorial waters near Xisha islands without China's permission. After the US warship entered Chinese waters, two Chinese navy ships issued a strong warning, demanding it to leave.

The ministry has released an official response, announcing strong opposition to the military maneuver. In its statement, the ministry said the United States is well aware of China's territorial sea baseline, and criticized Washington for trying to destabilize the region, just as the situation in the South China Sea is starting to improve.

The ministry added that China has repeatedly urged the US to respect China's national sovereignty and security concerns, and warned that the Chinese military will strengthen its surveillance, patrol, and defense capabilities in the region if needed.