China today accused the United States of causing “security risks at sea and in the air” by flying planes over disputed waters in the South China Sea, after the Pentagon recently condemned the “unsafe interception” of a US military aircraft by a Chinese fighter. .
A Chinese fighter jet came dangerously close to a US B-52 bomber over the South China Sea, raising tensions between the two countries vying for influence in the region. The Shenyang J-11 fighter approached at high speed within 3 meters of the B-52. China claims most of the South China Sea as its territorial waters, raising conflicts with other countries and security concerns along one of the world’s busiest trade routes.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning pointed this out at a press conference “The root of the problem is that US military aircraft are coming from afar to China’s doorstep to demonstrate their power.”
He added, “This creates security risks at sea and in the air, and does not serve peace and stability in the region.”Mao added.
According to the Pentagon statement, the commander of the Chinese J-11 fighter “An insecure interception was performed” of a US military plane last Tuesday.
The Chinese pilot somehow flew “Unsafe and unprofessional” According to the Ministry of Defense, which stated that the maneuver “came close” to causing a collision between the two planes.
“The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate — safely and responsibly — wherever international law allows. Joint Force Indo-Pacific Command remains dedicated to a free and open Indo-Pacific.” The Pentagon added.
China on Thursday criticized recent comments by US President Joe Biden, who said Beijing had acted in a “dangerous” manner and “contrary to international law” regarding its ships in the South China Sea, and reiterated China’s “firm” commitment to the United States. Countries ‘defend Philippines’ after collisions between Chinese ships and Philippine Coast Guard.
Beijing considers almost all of the islands in the South China Sea to be its own, a claim that overlaps with the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zones, as international law indicates, of countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.
At the same time, the United States is seeking to counter Beijing’s moves in waters key to global trade and rich in natural resources, as both countries continue to struggle to increase their influence in the Pacific.
