US lashed for sending bombers, hyping militarization

Beijing warned Washington on Wednesday to stop its provocations in the South China Sea and hyping of what it calls China’s “militarization” in the region, as reports emerged that the US sent bombers near the Nansha Islands.

China will not be intimidated by any military vessels or aircraft, and it will take all measures necessary to safeguard its sovereignty and security, as well as peace in the South China Sea, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily news conference.

Two US B-52 bombers flew in the vicinity of the Nansha Islands on Tuesday, CNN quoted the US Pacific Air Forces as saying in a statement.

The move came days after US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, speaking in Singapore, accused China of militarizing the South China Sea.

Last month, the Chinese military drove off two US Navy vessels that had entered the territorial waters of China’s Xisha Islands.

“I hope the US will explain clearly whether it is ‘militarization’ or not when it sends such offensive strategic weapons as B-52 bombers to the South China Sea,” Hua said. “Were the B-52s there for freedom of overflight and navigation as well?”

Such US actions will only prompt China to heighten its alert, and the US is urged to stop telling lies and making trouble in the region, Hua said.

It is risky to engage in “willful trespassing” and that a price will be paid for provocative actions, she added.

Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the US is promoting militarization of the South China Sea with its “highly provocative moves” in the region, and it is increasing the risks of accidents.

China has prepared professional means — such as identifying, verifying and driving away — of handling such provocations, Ruan said.