Tian Junli, a spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), stressed in a communique that the passage of Chancellorsville guided-missile cruiser near the islands in the South China Sea on Tuesday, is a “strong evidence” of Washington’s hegemonic and military intentions in the area.

“The move completely proves that the United States is a security risk maker in the region,” Tian said after denouncing its illegal action because it did not have China’s permission.

Tian also claimed China’s sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and emphasized that the PLA’s naval and air commandos are mobilized to monitor the ship’s route and will respond to any threat and provocation at any time.

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