The Defense Ministry of China strongly condemned the move, urging the US "not to continue down the wrong path" and warning that otherwise China will take all necessary measures according to the situation.
"US actions severely violated Chinese law and sabotaged the peaceful, safe and good order in relevant waters and is not beneficial to regional peace and stability." said a spokesman for the Chinese Defense Ministry, Yang Yujun.
He added that no matter what provocations the US side may take, Chinese armed forces will take whatever measures are necessary to safeguard China's sovereignity and security.
On Wednesday, the head of the Pacific Command US Navy Admiral Garry Harris said that the US insists on the need to respect international rules of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
On Thursday, Hua Chunying said that China continues to adhere to the principle of freedom of navigation and the protection of the South China Sea.
China and some countries in the region, including Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines, disagree over maritime boundaries and areas of responsibility in the South China and East China seas. China believes that a number of countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam deliberately used US support to escalate tensions in the region.