China, US clash over naval incident near Scarborough Shoal

The Chinese military said on Wednesday it monitored and "drove away" a US destroyer that sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, while the US Navy said its action was in line with international law.

- JOSH XIAO

The first known US military operation in at least six years within the shoal's waters came a day after the Philippines accused Chinese vessels of "dangerous manoeuvres and unlawful interference" during a supply mission around the atoll.

In a statement, the Chinese military's Southern Theatre Command said the USS Higgins had entered the waters "without approval of the Chinese government" on Wednesday.

THE US NAVY'S SEVENTH FLEET REJECTED CHINA'S CLAIM, DESCRIBING THE MISSION TO BE 'CONSISTENT WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW'

"The US move seriously violated China's sovereignty and security, severely undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea," it added, vowing to maintain a "high alert at all times".