China has urged the United States to halt its provocative actions in the South China Sea, saying the U.S. destroyer John McCain on Friday intruded into the waters around the disputed Paracel Islands which are claimed by Beijing.
"The United States has frequently sent warships to the South China Sea to show off its force" and "severely" infringed on China's sovereignty, a spokesman for the People's Liberation Army said in a statement released Friday night.
"We request the United States to immediately stop such provocative actions" to avoid accidents, the spokesman said, warning Washington has "severely undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea."
Asserting sovereignty over almost the entire maritime area, China has rapidly built artificial islands with military infrastructure.
In July, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump said it is taking a tougher stance against Beijing's maritime assertiveness in the South China Sea, calling its claims to offshore resources across most of the waters "completely unlawful."
In April and August, China lambasted the United States for sending warships to the waters around the Paracel Islands.
The U.S. government, meanwhile, said Beijing launched a series of ballistic missiles into the South China Sea in late August, expressing concern over the security environment in the region.
Related coverage:
Japan defense chief, U.S. commander share concerns over China
Japan, U.S. agree to work on alternative to Aegis Ashore plan
Japan, U.S., Australia, India vow to create free, open Indo-Pacific
