China Military Says It 'Drove Away' US Destroyer in South China Sea

China's military closely monitored and "drove away" USS Halsey that entered the territorial waters of Paracel Islands in the South China Sea on May 10, the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army said in a statement on Friday.

The US move "seriously infringed on China's sovereignty and security," the military said, Reuters reported.

"It is yet another iron proof of its navigation hegemony and militarization of the South China Sea," it said, adding its troops would stay on high alert and safeguard national security.

The US Navy claimed in a statement the destroyer asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands "consistent with international law."

The USS Halsey exited the area after its operation and continued on in the South China Sea, the statement said.