Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, briefs the press in Beijing. (PHOTO / MOD.GOV.CN)
BEIJING – China's Ministry of National Defense has lodged solemn representations to the United States over a US warship's interference in Chinese naval training exercises, a military spokesperson said on Thursday.
The ministry's spokesperson Wu Qian made the remarks in response to a query about frequent activities of US warships and aircraft in waters and airspace near China.
Referring to the destroyer USS Mustin's close reconnaissance of China's Liaoning aircraft carrier fleet which was carrying out a normal training mission, Wu said the action seriously threatens the safety of ships and personnel of both Chinese and US sides. The US vessel was later urged to leave.
Since the current US administration took office, US warships have been 20 percent more active on sea areas around China compared with the same period last year, and reconnaissance aircraft have been 40 percent more active, Defense Ministry's spokesperson Wu Qian said
Since the current US administration took office, US warships have been 20 percent more active on sea areas around China compared with the same period last year, and reconnaissance aircraft have been 40 percent more active, Wu said.
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The Chinese side firmly opposes such actions that escalate regional militarization and threaten peace and stability in the region, said Wu.
"We urge the US side to strictly restrain its frontline troops and comply with regulations, such as the Rules of Behavior for the Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters and the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, so that such dangerous incidents do not reoccur," he said.
Wu also blasted some US politicians for hyping the so-called "China threat," saying it will ultimately harm the United States.
His comments came after the US government, in its budget proposal for the 2022 fiscal year, listed China as the most pressing of many challenges to the country's defenses.
The wild speculation and hype from some people in the US government reflect a morbid mentality, Wu said at a regular press conference.
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"China has no intention of threatening or challenging any country," he said. "But if someone insists on threatening or challenging China, we will have no choice but to respond in kind."
Wu was also asked to comment on the Chinese navy's commissioning of vessels on April 23.
"The commissioning of naval vessels is irrelevant to the regional situation and is not aimed at any specific country or goal," Wu said, adding that China's policy stance of firmly maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea remains unchanged.