Beijing slams Australia’s ‘false narratives’ over South China Sea air incident

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) — Beijing on Friday slammed Australia on its alleged “false narratives” regarding midair contacts between aircraft of the two nations over the disputed South China Sea.

“On Feb. 11, Australia deliberately infringed upon China's rights and interests in the South China Sea, and even complained first and spread false narratives,” China’s Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said in a statement.

The midair contact between rival aircraft was reported in airspace over Xisha Qundao, also known as Paracel Islands, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

“We firmly oppose this and have lodged solemn representations with Australia,” Zhang said.

The reaction from the ministry came after Australia on Thursday raised concern over the Chinese military aircraft's “unsafe and unprofessional” interaction during a flight over the disputed South China Sea.

Canberra had said a People’s Liberation Army J-16 fighter aircraft “released flares in close proximity” to Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft which was “conducting a routine maritime surveillance patrol” over the South China Sea on Tuesday.

“This was an unsafe and unprofessional maneuver that posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel,” said the Australian Defense Ministry in a statement.

There were no injuries sustained by any Australian Defense Force personnel nor was any damage caused to the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, it added.

“Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner,” it said.

However, the Chinese Defense Ministry said the Australian military aircraft “ignored the main road in the South China Sea and intruded into other people's homes.”

Zhang said Chinese aircraft expelled Australian aircraft from the airspace which “is completely reasonable, legal and beyond reproach, and is a legitimate defense of national sovereignty and security.”

“We urge Australia to abandon its fantasy of speculation and adventure, strictly restrain the actions of its frontline naval and air forces, and not be willing to be a follower and thug, stirring up trouble in the South China Sea and harming others and itself,” the spokesman added.

The Chinese military aircraft regularly fly over the South China Sea in response to the military flights by the US or its allies in the region.

While the US and its allies claim they fly in international airspace, Beijing has often claimed such flights violate its sovereignty.