China on Thursday asked the US to end the military surveillance off its coast, warning that the frequent “close-in” air sorties by American fighter jets have “gravely undermined” bilateral ties and could cause “air and sea accidents”.
Chinese military would closely monitor US flights and adopt appropriate measures to ensure the country’s security, Ministry of Defence Col Yang Yujun told a news briefing. He said it has become a routine for the US to show-up off Chinese coast.
“In particular when PlA conducts weapon tests in maritime area, US showed up without an invite.” “This behaviour could easily cause misperception and cause air and sea accidents,” Yang said.
“As a developing country, China values its aircraft and pilots’ lives, certainly compared to some countries that have their military pilots fly close to other’s doorsteps on a daily basis.” He said American fighter jets have conducted frequent reconnaissance against China for a long time, which has “gravely undermined China’s security interests as well as China-US strategic mutual trust and bilateral ties.”