China urged the United States to restrain frontline forces on Friday after a US destroyer entered disputed waters in the South China Sea.
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Chinese defence ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said China had expressed “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition” and had lodged stern representations with the United States over the matter.
“We urge the US to effectively restrain its frontline forces and immediately cease its related acts of infringement and provocation against China,” Jiang said.
“The Chinese military remains on high alert at all times, resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and security, and firmly maintaining regional peace and stability.”
The guided-missile destroyer, USS Higgins, entered disputed waters near Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday, two days after a Chinese coastguard vessel and a PLA Navy ship collided while pursuing a Philippine coastguard vessel in the area.
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The shoal, known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines and Huangyan Island in China, is claimed by both countries and controlled by China.