China accuses US of provocation in the East Sea
China's Defense Ministry said the US had committed "provocative actions" by sending B-52s to fly over the East Sea.
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B-52 bomber flying over the Pacific Ocean in 2009. Photo:USAF. |
The Pentagon said yesterday that US B-52 bombers flew twice over the South China Sea this week to enhance interoperability with partners and allies in the region, according toReuters.
China's Ministry of Defense issued a statement today expressing its opposition and accusing the US of "provocative actions" in this sea area.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang asked the US to "take steps to improve bilateral military relations" amid rising tensions between the two countries, during a regular meeting.
US Defense Secretary James Mattis yesterday affirmed that B-52 flights in the East Sea are routine activities and said that recent developments do not fundamentally change the relationship between the US and China.
Mattis also said on September 24 that the US needed to have good military relations with China after imposing sanctions on a Chinese military agency for purchasing Russian weapons.
US-China relations are strained over a range of issues. While the trade war between the two countries shows no signs of abating, the US recently sanctioned a Chinese military unit for purchasing Russian weapons. In response, China has canceled several high-level meetings with the US and refused to allow US warships to dock in Hong Kong.