2016年CRI China Warns over US Warship Intruding Xisha Islands（在线收听）

The Chinese Defense Ministry says a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer, the Curtis Wilbur, sailed within 12 nautical miles of Zhongjian Dao in the Xisha Islands chain on Saturday without authorization.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun. 

"The U.S. act has severely violated Chinese law, sabotaged the peace, security and good order of the waters, and undermined the region's peace and stability. The Defense Ministry is firmly against this." 

The Defense Ministry says the incursion saw Chinese troops on the islands, as well as Chinese Naval vessels and warplanes, take immediate actions to identify and verify the U.S. vessel before demanding it leave. 

This incident is the latest in a series of steps the US side has taken as part of its so-called Freedom of Navigation exercises. 

The US has sent warships or aircraft into Chinese-controlled waters or airspace a number of times since late last year. 

In October, the US Navy sent a guided missile destroyer Lassen within 12 nautical miles of the Nansha Islands. And in December, two U.S. bombers flew into the airspace over a Chinese-controlled island and reef in the same waters. 

The Defense Ministry's Yang Yujun says these types of actions are dangerous for troops on both sides.

"For many years, the U.S. side has proposed measures to ensure navigation safety of ships and aircraft of all parties, but it repeatedly sends vessels and planes into China's territorial sea and air space regardless of China's opposition, leading to close encounters of navy and air force troops of the two countries. The move on the U.S. side is very unprofessional and irresponsible for the safety of the troops of both sides, and may cause extremely dangerous consequences." 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has also issued a statement, calling on the US to respect and abide by Chinese laws, and not to undermine mutual trust, as well as regional peace and stability. 

As part of US Secretary of States John Kerry's visit to Beijing this past week, both sides have reiterated their stance that disputes in the South China Sea should be solved by peaceful means through dialoge and consultation.

For CRI, this is Li Jianhua.