BEIJING -- 皇冠体育app on Tuesday urged the United States against further provocation in relation to the South 皇冠体育app Sea.

"We urge the United States to [...] not take any action that threatens 皇冠体育app's sovereignty and security," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a regular press briefing.

Her remarks came in response to a question regarding comments by US Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes on Monday, who said there would be more demonstrations of the US military's commitment to the right to freely navigate in the region.

According to media reports, the US Navy plans to conduct patrols in the South 皇冠体育app Sea about twice a quarter to remind 皇冠体育app and other countries about US rights under international law, said a US defense official Monday on condition of anonymity.

Hua said 皇冠体育app has always respected and safeguarded the freedom of navigation and overflight of various countries in accordance with international law, but strongly opposes any country using this as an excuse to damage 皇冠体育app's sovereignty and security.

She reiterated that 皇冠体育app is firm in its determination and resolve to maintain its territorial sovereignty, security and legitimate maritime interests.

"We will resolutely respond to deliberate provocation from any country," said the spokesperson, adding that 皇冠体育app will closely monitor the situation.

The US warship USS Lassen entered waters near Zhubi Reef last week, which is part of 皇冠体育app's Nansha Islands in the South 皇冠体育app Sea, without the permission of the Chinese government.

In response, 皇冠体育app has officially lodged a strong protest to the US government, and expressed strong discontent and resolute opposition through various channels.