China angry as U.S. deploys destroyer to South Sea

The location of the Spratly and Paracel Islands in the South China Sea (Image credit: Wikipedia)

China lashed out at America Tuesday for deploying the USS Lassen to disputed nautical territories around the South China Sea, saying the mission is being perceived as an illegal act of aggression.

The U.S. Navy sent the guided missile destroyer within 12 nautical miles of Subi reef, near China's man–made islands in the Spratly region and by one of the world's most–used shipping sites. The mission reportedly lasted a few hours. And Chinese authorities have not reacted well.

"China will resolutely respond to any country's deliberate provocations," China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, adding America's actions were perceived as "illegally" intruding into the region, the Associated Press reported.

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White House spokesman Josh Earnest tossed questions about the USS Lassen the Pentagon's way. A U.S. defense official, meanwhile, said in a statement the extra U.S. patrol presence is just the first of a wave that's likely coming.

"This is something that will be a regular occurrence, not a one-off event," the unnamed official said, AP reported. "It's not something that's unique to China."

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang also told members of the media at a press briefing the United States ought to be cautious.

"[If America continues to] create tensions in the region, [China might] increase and strengthen the building up of our relevant abilities," he said, AP reported.

Lu didn't elaborate, but China does keep a military presence in the South China Sea, the territories of which are being claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines, as well.

The Foreign Ministry also said the "relevant authorities" watched America's deployment into the region.

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"China hopes to use peaceful means to resolve all the disputes, but if China has to make a response then the timing, method and tempo of the response will be made in accordance with China's wishes and needs," Lu said, AP reported.