Chinese official tells US to halt provocative actions after it sailed around Paracel Islands

HONG KONG - A Chinese military spokesperson said on Friday that the US destroyer John McCain had entered waters around the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea claimed by China without China's permission.

"We demand the US immediately stop such provocative actions, (and) strictly control and restrict military operations in the sea and air," the spokesperson said in a post on an official WeChat account.

The spokesperson also said it would take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

In August, the US Navy said USS Mustin, a guided-missile destroyer, sailed in the vicinity of Paracel Islands “to ensure critical shipping lanes in the area remain free and open.” —Reuters