– ‘Show of force’ –
The United States has previously argued for its right to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and is critical of China building artificial islands there.
It has flown other B-52 bombers and sailed a guided-missile destroyer near some of the constructions in recent months.
In October, Washington infuriated Beijing when the USS Lassen guided missile destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of at least one land formation claimed by China in the disputed Spratlys.
“The United States has continuously sent military ships and planes to make a show of force and create tensions in the waters and airspace” of the South China Sea, Beijing’s defence ministry said earlier Saturday.
“The Chinese army will take all necessary measures to defend the sovereignty and the security of the country.”
China’s military conducted war games in the area this week, with warships, submarines and fighter jets deployed over a “range of several thousand kilometres”, the People’s Liberation Army Daily said.
Beijing’s claims in the sea conflict with those of its regional neighbours Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei.
This week, Australia said one of its military surveillance planes had flown near disputed areas of the South China Sea. The crew reportedly heard warnings from China’s navy.
About The Author
