BEIJING, Aug. 13 -- "On August 13, the US navy's destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) entered the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao without authorization from Chinese government. The Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command sent its naval troops to track, monitor, warn, and expel the US navy vessel in accordance with laws and regulations," said Senior Captain He Tiecheng, spokesperson for the navy of Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command, in a written statement on Wednesday.

The spokesperson further pointed out that the US military's actions severely infringed upon China's sovereignty and security, undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea, and contravened both international law and the basic norms governing international relations.

"The naval troops of the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command remain on high alert at all times to resolutely defend China's national sovereignty and security as well as regional peace and stability," stressed the spokesperson.