China has leveled accusations of provocation against the United States for the second time within a week, in two distinct incidents involving aircraft and warships.
“China is a serious adversary threatening our nation’s military, allies, and partners. We must do everything we can to maintain a clear-eyed, whole-of-government approach toward treating China as the significant threat they pose to our national security,” Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), said in a tweet.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning on May 31 issued a warning to the United States following the interception of a U.S. spy plane by a Chinese fighter jet, The Hill reported.
However, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command disputes these claims, asserting the Chinese aircraft flew directly in front of the U.S. spy plane. Video evidence of the event was released by the U.S., The Hill reports.
“For quite some time, the U.S. side has frequently sent aircraft and vessels to conduct close-in reconnaissance on China, seriously threatening China’s sovereignty and security,” Mao Ning said, according to The Hill. “Such provocative and dangerous moves are the root cause for maritime security issues. The U.S. needs to immediately stop such dangerous acts of provocation.”
In the second incident June 3, it is alleged a Chinese warship crossed in front of a U.S. warship, coming within 150 yards of its bow and compelling the U.S. vessel to take immediate evasive action to prevent a collision, CNN reported. This occurrence was also captured on video, further substantiating the U.S. account of the event.
Following the near collision, China’s defense minister, Li Shangfu, accused the United States of being responsible for the incident, as the U.S. ship was close to its territory.
“The best way is for the countries, especially the naval vessels and fighter jets of countries, not to do closing actions around other countries’ territories,” Li said through an interpreter, according to the Associated Press. “What’s the point of going there? In China we always say, ‘Mind your own business.’”
