Beijing denounces US warship sail-by in South China Sea

China on Monday denounced a US warship sail-by near disputed islands in the South China Sea as a violation of its sovereignty. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) organised air and naval forces to warn the USS Preble to leave, said a PLA spokesman, after it entered waters near China-claimed Scarborough Shoal on Monday morning.

“The relevant actions from the US side endanger the safety of both Chinese and American ships and personnel, and undermine China’s sovereignty and safety,” said Li Huamin, spokesman of the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command.