China urges US to 'correct wrongdoing' after Spratlys patrol

MANILA, Philippines — Beijing on Tuesday lodged a protest and expressed "strong discontentment" over the Washington-backed move of the US Navy to sail near China's man-made islands.

In a statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said China is in "resolute opposition" over the reported patrol of guided missile destroyed USS Lassen inside what China claims as a 12-nautical mile territorial limit around Subi Reef of the contested Spratly (Kalyaan) archipelago. The Spratlys are claimed by the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

"The United States' actions threaten China's sovereignty and security interests, endanger the safety of personnel and facilities in the reef, and harm regional peace and stability," Lu said.

He also urged the US side to "immediately correct its wrongdoing" as it should have obtained permission of the Chinese government.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi, for his part, issued a separate warning following reports of the warship's deployment.

"Wang Yi said that we are checking on that. If it is true, we urge the US side to think twice, not to take rash moves and stir up troubles," a separate statement released by the ministry read.

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The Obama administration has long said it will exercise a right to freedom of navigation in any international waters, including in the South China Sea. The point of sailing a US ship within 12 nautical miles of any of the artificial islands created by China would be to demonstrate the US assertion that they are not sovereign Chinese territory.

"Make no mistake, the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, as we do around the world, and the South China Sea is not and will not be an exception," Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on October 13. — with reports from Xinhua