China, US communicate effectively over warship encounter

The Chinese and US defense authorities effectively communicated after a recent encounter between warships of the two countries, China's Defense Ministry said Wednesday. A Chinese navy warship on a regular patrol mission encountered a US naval vessel in the South China Sea a few days ago. "The Chinese warship handled the situation strictly according to relevant operation specifications," the ministry said in a statement carried by Xinhua. "Defense authorities of the two countries have reported relevant information to each other via normal channels and communicated effectively about the matter," the statement said. It also said some media reports about the event are untrue. The ministry also stressed that the Chinese and US armed forces have an opportunity to develop their relations and both sides are willing to enhance exchanges, practice closer coordination and make efforts to maintain regional peace and stability.