A US warship has sailed close to an artificial island built by China in the South China Sea, the first challenge to Beijing's claim to the waters since President Donald Trump took office.
According to unnamed sources cited by US media, the USS Dewey passed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef.
China said the US vessel had entered its waters "without permission" and its navy had warned it to leave.
The US insists it can conduct operations in any international waters.
It says it does not take sides in territorial disputes, but has sent military ships and planes near disputed islands in the past, calling them "freedom of navigation" operations to ensure access to key shipping and air routes. It has also repeatedly criticized what it sees as Beijing's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters.
China claims almost all of the South China Sea, including reefs and islands also claimed by other nations. Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang condemned the US move.
"The act damaged China's sovereignty and security interests, and could have easily led to an air or sea accident," he told reporters. "[China] resolutely opposes any country sailing or flying freely that could pose damage to China's sovereignty and security interests.
At present, through the joint efforts of China and Asean countries, the South China Sea situation has cooled down. "The acts of the United States have seriously disrupted the process of dialogue and consultation."
-BBC, Washington
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