The Chinese Air Force says overflights by its warplanes over the South China Sea, Bashi Channel and Miyako Strait are legitimate¹, reasonable and justified².

 

中国空军表示，中国战机巡视南海、巴士海峡和宫古海峡是合法、合理、正当的。

 

The Air Force spokesman Shen Jinke said the flights over the high seas are part of the air force's routine exercises which aim to build it into a strategic military force that can match with the country's national interests.

 

"The Chinese Air Force has performed various training subjects on fighting against jamming and interference, reconnaissance and pre-warning, maritime³ patrol, sea assault and air refueling since it began routine drills on the high seas two years ago, which have improved the army's high sea maneuverability and tested its combat capabilities⁴ in blue water." 

 

He said the air force will constantly improve its capabilities through practical training in order to safeguard the country's national sovereignty and territorial⁵ integrity, and defend the country's aerospace⁶ safety and development interests.

 

The remarks come a week after China lodged⁷ "solemn representations" to Japan over an encounter between Japanese fighter jets and Chinese warplanes passing through the international airspace of the Miyako Strait.

点击收听单词发音