Chinese Navy calls on US to stop 'provocations' in disputed sea

MANILA, Philippines - The People's Liberation Army Navy of China on Thursday called on the United States to stop its "provocations" in the disputed South China Sea.

PLA Navy commander Wu Shengli told US Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Scott Swift in a meeting that China had exercised maximum restraint over the provocations of the US, according to a report.

The US has been sailing within 12 nautical miles of the artificial islands that China has been constructing in the South China Sea.

READ: US admiral: Policymakers to decide South China Sea patrols

China has been monitoring the "freedom of navigation" operations of the US in the disputed sea and had given warnings on several occasions.

"The US conduct does not contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea whatsoever... The US cannot impose its own claims on other nations. It cannot sabotage other nations' sovereignty and security," Wu said.

Wu urged the US to control its military operations in the South China Sea so as to cherish the ties between the two countries.

The Chinese admiral noted that the US actions have been a sheer provocation against China's sovereignty over the islands. He added that the US posed grave threats over the security of islands and reefs in the disputed sea.

US President Barack Obama himself has expressed concerns over the tensions arising in the South China Sea. He called on China to stop its reclamation and building of military structures in disputed waters.

China, however, told Obama to back off from the sea dispute issue as his country is not a concerned party.