China says US warship entered its waters `without permission`

Beijing: The Chinese government charged on Thursday that a US warship had entered its waters in the South China Sea "without permission", prompting China`s navy to warn the vessel to leave.

"The relevant action taken by the US vessel undermines China`s sovereignty and security interests," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a press briefing after the USS Dewey destroyer sailed less than 12 nautical miles from a reef claimed by Beijing.