China Condemns Australia’s Actions in South China Sea
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense has denounced Australia’s “deliberate provocations” in the South China Sea, accusing it of violating China’s sovereignty.
On Friday, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry, rejected Australia’s claims of an “unsafe and unprofessional interaction” between an Australian aircraft and a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft on February 11.
“We firmly oppose this and have lodged serious representations with the Australian side,” Zhang said. He criticized Australia for “deliberately infringing on China’s rights” and “spreading false narratives by portraying itself as the victim.”
Zhang emphasized that China’s actions to expel the Australian aircraft were a “justified and lawful defense” of its national sovereignty and security. He urged Australia to “give up illusions” and to strictly restrain its naval and air forces.
“Instead of playing the henchman of others and stirring trouble in the South China Sea, Australia should act in a way that is conducive to regional peace and stability,” Zhang added.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, where multiple nations have overlapping territorial claims.
