Sail-by the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation.
China expressed anger on Tuesday after a US Navy destroyer sailed near islands it claims in the disputed South China Sea, calling the operation a threat to its sovereignty.
China’s defence ministry said a Chinese naval ship was sent to warn the US vessel to leave.
“The US side repeatedly sends military ships without permission into seas close to South China Seas islands, seriously threatening China’s sovereignty and security, seriously damaging Sino-US military ties, and seriously harming regional peace and stability,” the ministry said.
“China’s military is resolutely opposed to this.”
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to Reuters news agency, said the destroyer the USS Decatur traveled within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson Reefs in the Spratly Islands on Sunday.
