US Often Sends Spy Planes Over Its Territory, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: National Security Threat, We Will Take Action
JAKARTA - Chinese authorities warned the United States firmly to stop its spy plane missions over the country's territory, saying it would take precautionary measures Wednesday.
The warning was delivered by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, along with an increase in flights of US spy planes that are considered a national security threat.
"The United States often sends reconnaissance planes to spy on China. By doing so, it poses a serious threat to the security of our country," he told a press briefing, TASS reported on June 15.
"We will continue to take necessary precautions. We will resolutely protect China's sovereignty and our national security interests," Wang said.
Wang further emphasized that the US Air Force has long been involved in such activities in the region.
"We insist that the United States stop its dangerous and provocative actions," Wang said.
Yesterday, Wang said the US is also the biggest factor fueling the militarization of Asia-Pacific. Citing the Chinese Foreign Ministry website, Wang said the US has been deploying many military aircraft and warships in the South China Sea on a regular basis. And, its reconnaissance planes electronically imitate the civilian planes of other countries there time and time again.
"According to statistics from institutions with professional knowledge, the number of US military reconnaissance missions against China has more than doubled compared to a decade ago. Since the beginning of this year, US naval vessels have transited the Taiwan Strait on average once a month. US military aircraft have engaged in extensive, frequent and provocative close-range reconnaissance to deter and pressure China," he said.
Wang added, the international community will not be fooled by US statements that smear China. According to him, what the US said would only damage the credibility of Uncle Sam's country.
"We urge the US to match its words with action, including not seeking confrontation or conflict, not seeking a new Cold War, and not seeking NATO Asia or a region that is divided into enemy blocs. We also urge the US to stop saying or doing things." -things that can create division and confrontation," Wang said.