China's Defense Ministry has warned of a US deployment of a navy ship near the Huangyan Island. This comes after the USS Hopper navigated near the islands in the South China Sea. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said the move has disrupted regional peace and stability, putting vessels and personnel of the two countries in danger, and the move also goes against the steady development of relations between the two militaries.

WU QIAN CHINESE DEFENSE MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON "We hope that the US side respects China's sovereignty, and the efforts of the countries within the region. Don't make any trouble out of nothing. The Chinese army will continue to perform its defensive duties, reinforce the patrolling over the sea and air, resolutely protect our country's sovereignty and security, and maintain regional peace and stability."