China has issued a stern warning to Australia, urging it to immediately stop provocations and spreading misinformation following an alleged airspace intrusion over the Xisha (Paracel) Islands in the South China Sea.
Responding to Australia’s claims, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Pin said that Canberra’s allegations were an attempt to blur the line between right and wrong. He stated,
“We are strongly dissatisfied with this and have lodged a serious protest with the Australian side.”
Zhang emphasized that the operations carried out by the PLA Southern Theater Command’s naval and air forces were appropriate, lawful, professional, and restrained. He added that the Chinese armed forces will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty and maintain regional peace and stability.
Earlier, Australia’s Defense Ministry claimed in a statement that on October 19, a Chinese military jet engaged in “unsafe and unprofessional behavior,” posing a “threat” to an Australian aircraft during a routine patrol over the South China Sea.
China rejected the accusation, saying the Australian P-8A military aircraft illegally entered the airspace over the Xisha Islands without authorization on Sunday, prompting the PLA Navy and Air Force to track, warn, and expel the aircraft in accordance with the law.
Source: Akash–Touhid–Feifei, China Media Group