China dispatches warships, scrambles fighter jets to ward off US ships

China has dispatched warships and scrambled fighter jets to ward off US two US-guided-missile destroyers which sailed close to disputed South China Sea islands.

China’s Defense Ministry released a statement on Sunday, in which it announced that its ships and aircraft had been deployed to ward off the US ships which had entered the country’s territorial waters without permission.

The ministry also slammed the arrival of the US warships near the islands, referring to the US’ move as a “provocation” and an infringement of China’s sovereignty.

It added that the Paracel Islands were are an inherent part of China’s territory, and that Beijing resolutely opposes the US actions which go against Chinese and international laws.