Ministry of Defense Spokesperson Jiang Bin Answers Reporters' Questions on Australia's Claims of Unsafe Approaches by Chinese Military Aircraft to Its Carrier-Based Aircraft
Reporter: The Australian Department of Defense stated that on March 4, an Australian naval helicopter was approached unsafely by a Chinese military aircraft while executing a United Nations Security Council resolution in international waters of the Yellow Sea. What is your comment on this?
Jiang Bin: The Australian side's remarks are purely a distortion of facts and a reversal of right and wrong. We express strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this. Recently, the Australian frigate "Toowoomba," under the guise of "executing United Nations Security Council resolutions," has repeatedly dispatched naval helicopters to conduct close reconnaissance against China in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, continuously provoking and endangering China's national security. In response to Australia's infringement and harassment, the Chinese military has promptly taken measures to respond firmly and effectively. The related operations are legitimate, reasonable, professional, and compliant with international law and international practice.
It is important to emphasize that the United Nations Security Council resolution has never authorized any country to deploy military forces in the air and maritime domains of other countries under the pretext of monitoring violations of the resolution or to conduct surveillance activities. China will never tolerate any actions that harm China's national sovereignty and security under the name of executing the resolution, and will resolutely counter such actions. We urge the Australian side to genuinely respect China's sovereignty and security concerns, immediately stop spreading false information, strictly restrain the actions of naval and air forces, refrain from any reckless provocations, and avoid actions that undermine regional peace and stability.
On March 4, Chinese military aircraft approached Australian naval aircraft in an unsafe manner during UN Security Council resolution enforcement operations, according to the Australian Defense Ministry. In response, a Chinese spokesperson condemned these claims as distortions and stated that the Chinese military took necessary measures against Australian provocations in the Yellow Sea. China emphasized that UN resolutions do not permit military monitoring in other nations' airspace and urged Australia to respect its sovereignty.
- Australian Defense Ministry claimed unsafe approach by Chinese military aircraft on March 4.
- Chinese spokesperson strongly opposed Australian claims, labeling them as distortions of facts.
- Chinese military took measures in response to Australian reconnaissance activities.
- China asserts that UN resolutions do not authorize military monitoring in other nations' airspace.
- China demands Australia respect its sovereignty and cease spreading false information.