China Accuses U.S. of ‘Serious Military Provocation’ by Flying B-52 Bomber over Chinese-Controlled South China Sea Island

The U.S. deliberately provoced China by flying the aircraft over the Chinese-controlled island in the South China Sea.

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFPN) — Munitions on display show the full capabilities of the B-52 Stratofortress. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert J. Horstman)

On Dec.22 China’s Defense Ministry accused the U.S. of committing a “serious military provocation” by flying an Air Force B-52 bomber over a Chinese-controlled island in the South China Sea. He added that China would do whatever necessary to protect the sovereignty.

“The actions by the U.S. side constitute a serious military provocation and are rendering more complex and even militarizing conditions in the South China Sea,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement. It demanded Washington immediately take measures to prevent such incidents.

According to the statement, Chinese military personnel on the island went on high alert during the Dec. 10 overflight by the B-52 strategic bomber and issued warnings demanding the bomber to leave the area.

“In the face of provocative acts from the U.S. side, the Chinese military will take all necessary means and measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and resolutely safeguard regional peace and stability,” the statement said.

Considering this event, tensions in the South China Sea are continuing to grow.