China’s Ministry of Defence has firmly dismissed Australia’s accusation of an “unsafe and unprofessional” encounter between their military aircraft over the South China Sea, calling it a cover-up for Australia’s illegal intrusion into Chinese territorial airspace.
Defence Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said on Wednesday that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command acted lawfully and professionally when it intercepted and expelled the Australian P-8A patrol aircraft over the Xisha Islands. He stated that Australia’s claims were “distorting facts and blaming China for its own wrongdoing.”
“We express strong dissatisfaction and have made stern representations to the Australian side,” Jiang said, emphasising that the PLA’s response complied with international law and standard operating protocols.
China Accuses Australia of Provocation
According to Jiang, the Australian patrol aircraft illegally entered China’s territorial airspace, prompting the PLA to take necessary defensive measures. He accused Canberra of engaging in infringement and provocation while falsely portraying China’s actions as aggressive.
“The accusation of ‘unsafe behaviour’ finds no market anywhere,” Jiang stated. “We urge Australia to stop its provocations and avoid actions that could harm bilateral and military relations.”
He warned that the Chinese military will continue to safeguard national sovereignty and regional stability, maintaining a high state of readiness in the South China Sea.
PLA Southern Command Responds
Earlier, Senior Colonel Li Jianjian, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theatre Command Air Force, confirmed that the Australian aircraft violated Chinese sovereignty by entering the airspace above the Xisha Qundao without prior approval.
He said the PLA tracked, monitored, and warned the aircraft away in line with Chinese laws, adding that such actions by Australia could easily trigger maritime or aerial accidents.
“The troops remain on high alert to defend national sovereignty, security, and peace in the region,” Li stated.
Experts Warn Against Escalation
Chinese military experts echoed the government’s stance. Wang Yunfei told Global Times that Australia was “shifting the blame to the victim,” stressing that it was Australia’s intrusion that prompted China’s defensive action.
Similarly, Zhang Junshe said the PLA’s measures were professional, restrained, and by the book, cautioning that Australia should not mistake China’s restraint for weakness.
“If Canberra continues deliberate provocations and an incident occurs, Australia will bear full responsibility for the consequences,” he added.
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