29 October 2015, 08:03 GMT
BEIJING (Sputnik) – China strongly criticized the United States on Tuesday after the naval destroyer USS Lassen sailed within 12 nautical miles of the Spratly archipelago in waters claimed by several regional powers. Washington responded that the maneuver was not in violation of international law.
Col. Yang urged the United States to avoid taking what he referred to as the "wrong path." "But if the United States continues to insist on its own way, we will be forced to take all necessary measures. We are firm in our resolve to protect our sovereignty and security," the spokesman said.
US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said on Tuesday that the US Navy will conduct routine patrol missions in the region in the coming weeks and months.
