China opposes US warships' sailing near islands in South China Sea

China on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction over and resolute opposition to two US warships' sailing near Chinese islands in the South China Sea.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said two US warships entered the waters adjacent to Chinese islands in the South China Sea without permission from the Chinese government. The Chinese navy identified and verified the US warships and warned them to leave according to law.

"The relevant moves of the US warships violated China's sovereignty and undermined peace, security and healthy order in the relevant sea areas," said Geng.

Geng said that at present, with the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea has stabilized and been improving. China urges the US side to stop such provocative acts, respect China's sovereignty and security interests, and respect the efforts of regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

China will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty and security, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, he said.