The People’s Liberation Army will respond to any “dangerous provocations” by the US military in the waters and airspace near China, the Chinese navy said on Thursday after a bilateral maritime security meeting in Shanghai.
The reconnaissance, survey, and high-intensity drills conducted by US warships and aircraft near China were “highly likely to cause misjudgment, jeopardising China’s sovereignty and military security”, the PLA Navy said, wrapping up a two-day China-US working group meeting on maritime security.
“In this regard, the Chinese military will continue to respond to all dangerous and provocative acts in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, and resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”
The PLA Navy said the two sides had “candid and constructive” exchanges, assessed the implementation of a maritime and air safety code of conduct, and discussed ways to improve maritime military security.
01:25
Chinese military helicopter and Philippine patrol plane in close encounter over Scarborough Shoal
Chinese military helicopter and Philippine patrol plane in close encounter over Scarborough Shoal
The need for better communication has been highlighted by a series of close encounters and near misses in recent years.
