BEIJING, Feb. 14 -- "On February 11, the Australian side made deliberate infringement and provocation against China in the South China Sea, and then repeated its old trick of playing the victim and spreading false narrative to accuse China. We firmly oppose this and have lodged stern representations with Australia," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense at a press briefing on Friday.
The spokesperson made the above remarks in response to the Australian defense ministry's claim on Thursday that on February 11, an Australian patrol aircraft experienced an "unsafe and unprofessional" interaction with a Chinese Air Force aircraft in the South China Sea, posing a risk to the Australian warplane and personnel.
The spokesperson pointed out that there is vast space in the South China Sea, but the Australian warplane deliberately intruded into China's airspace. It's completely justified, legitimate and beyond reproach for China to expel the Australian warplane and safeguard national sovereignty and security.
"We urge the Australian side to give up illusion of speculation and adventure, strictly restrain the operations of its navy and air force troops, and stop acting as a hatchet man to stir up troubles and harm others in the South China Sea," stressed the spokesperson in the end.
