China hit the United States on Friday for sailing a US Navy warship near disputed Paracel islands in South China Sea.

The Chinese defense ministry, in a statement, described the incident as "illegal" and "provocative."

It also issued a stern warning against the US Navy and asked it to stop actions which go against China's sovereignty and maritime interests."

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A US Navy destroyer, the USS Decatur, sailed through the territorial waters near the disputed Paracel islands (also known as Xisha Islands in China) in South China Sea on Friday.

"The act is clear evidence that the US is the real trouble-maker in the South China Sea, at a time when the overall situation in the region is embracing positive development," the ministry said. "Chinese military will strengthen its surveillance and defense power in the region if needed, in a move to firmly protect China's national interests."

Washington, on the other hand, downplayed the incident, calling it a mere "routine" exercise.

"This operation demonstrated that coastal states may not unlawfully restrict the navigation rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea that the United States and all states are entitled to exercise under international law," White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said.

China and United States' old Asian ally Philippines have been engaged in a bitter territorial dispute over ownership of Paracel Islands in South China Sea, or the West Philippines Sea.

In July, an international tribunal had rejected China's ownership claims over the area. Despite this, China still continues to establish its military infrastructure in South China Sea.

TagsSouth China Sea, South China Sea Dispute, US Nay, warship, parcel islands