China denounces alleged entry of US spy plane in 'no-fly zone' as 'provocative action'

China said that a US spy plane arbitrarily entered a -fly zone used by People’s Liberation Army for live ammunition exercises, calling it a “naked provocative action”. Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said in a statement that a U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft flew over an area in rrn China, seriously disrupting rmal exercises and training activities.

Wu said that action violated China-US maritime and air safety code of conduct and related international law and could have easily led to misunderstandings and accidents. He urged United States to stop such “provocative actions” and take concrete actions to maintain peace and stability in region.

“China firmly opposes this and has lodged solemn representations with United States,” statement re.

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Deteriorating ties

Si-US relations have swiftly deteriorated over a host of issues including coronavirus, Hong Kong automy, rights violation in Xinjiang, and maritime dispute in South China Sea. Last month, in a significant show of force, one B-52 Stratofortress bomber participated in a maritime integration exercise with USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike groups in South China Sea. 

B-52 bomber, which took off from home station in Louisiana, flew 28-hour mission to demonstrate US Indo-Pacific Command’s commitment to security and stability of Indo-Pacific region. US Navy activities come after Department of Defense raised concerns over Beijing’s military exercises in disputed waters of South China Sea, saying it is will furr destabilise situation. 

China has accused United States of trying to drive a wedge between countries in Indo-pacific region by deliberately sending its ships to South China Sea. During a regular press briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that US is sending ship in contentious region to flex its muscles after two US Navy aircraft carriers arrived re.

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