China reacted angrily after a US naval destroyer sailed through disputed waters of the South China Sea Tuesday, while the Philippines hailed the action as restoring the balance of power in the region, dpa reported. Beijing said the USS Lassen illegally entered Chinese territory when it sailed early Tuesday near the Spratly, or Nansha, group of islands. The Philippines, which has filed an arbitration case with the United Nations questioning China's sweeping claims over the sea, led US allies in the region in hailing the warship's passage in the disputed waters. Australia said it was not part of the US action but expressed support for international rights to sail through the South China Sea. Approximately 60 per cent of Australian exports pass through the South China Sea. -- SPA 20:56 LOCAL TIME 17:56 GMT تغريد
