The Communist superpower claimed that last week’s “freedom of navigation” patrol will only spark China into strengthening its military deployments in the territory.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang slammed the US after the USS Hopper destroyer came within 12 nautical miles of Huangyan island, which is also claimed by the US’ ally the Philippines.
Mr Kang added that China would take “necessary measures to defend its sovereignty”.
The US’ move came even as President Donald Trump seeks support from China in dealing with North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.
The US military has attacked China for building man-made islands and militarising the disputed waters, claiming they could use their presence to disrupt trade routes.
The Communist Party has said in a commentary in its official People’s Daily paper that the US is the one militarising the region.
The paper states: “Against this backdrop of peace and cooperation, a US ship wantonly provoking trouble is singleminded to the point of recklessness.
“If the relevant party once more makes trouble out of nothing and causes tensions, then it will only cause China to reach this conclusion: in order to earnestly protect peace in the South China Sea, China must strengthen and speed up the building of its abilities there.”
The commentary was published under the name “Zhong Sheng” with means “Voice of China”.
The Global Times, published by the People’s Daily, has said China’s control of the waters is growing and they are becoming well-placed to respond to US “provocations”.
It read: “As China’s military size and quality improve, so does its control of the South China Sea.
“China is able to send more naval vessels as a response and can take steps like militarising islands.”
Huangyan island, also known as the Scarborough Shoal, is sat within the Philippines’ 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone, but an international tribunal in 2016 ruled that it is fishing ground that no sole country has the right to exploit.
The US military says it carries out freedom of navigation operations throughout the world, including in areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations.
The Pentagon has not commented on the specific incident but said such patrols are routine.