China expresses anger after US Navy ship sailed near China claimed Islands

China expressed anger on Tuesday after a U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the disputed South China Sea, saying it was resolutely opposed to an operation that is called a threat to its sovereignty.

China's Defence Ministry said a Chinese naval ship had been sent to warn the U.S. vessel to leave.

The Foreign Ministry in Beijing said in a separate statement it strongly urged the United States to stop such "provocative" actions.