BEIJING, Dec. 18 -- The Chinese and U.S. defense authorities effectively communicated after a recent encounter between warships of the two countries, a Chinese defense ministry statement said.

A Chinese navy warship on a regular patrol mission encountered a naval vessel of the United States in the South China Sea region several days ago. The Chinese warship handled the situation strictly according to relevant operation specifications, according to the ministry statement on Wednesday.

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 said some media reports about the event are untrue.

Also, the statement stressed that the Chinese and U.S. 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.