China said Monday that it made "stern complaints" to Washington after it spotted a U.S. Navy vessel in Chinese waters.

The complaint came as officials from China and the U.S. met in Beijing for negotiations to end a trade dispute that has seen the countries exchange tariffs over the last several months.

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Chinese ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Monday that Chinese military was sent to warn the vessel to leave after it was seen near the South China Sea, a disputed area, according to The Associated Press.

“As for whether this move has any impact to the ongoing China-U.S. trade consultations ... to properly resolve existing issues of all kinds between China and the U.S. is good for the two countries and the world,” Lu said.

“The two sides both have responsibility to create necessary and good atmosphere to this end," he continued.

The U.S. delegation in China for negotiations is led by Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish. Negotiations are set for Monday and Tuesday.

It will be the first time the two sides have met in person since Dec. 1, when President Trump Donald John TrumpBarr criticizes DOJ in speech declaring all agency power 'is invested in the attorney general' Military leaders asked about using heat ray on protesters outside White House: report Powell warns failure to reach COVID-19 deal could 'scar and damage' economy MORE and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached a 90-day ceasefire agreement in their trade dispute.

Trump on Sunday told reporters that he believes China wants "to make a deal."

"The tariffs have absolutely hurt China very badly," he added.