China Criticizes U.S. Military Drills in South China Sea
(MENAFN) On Monday, Beijing expressed concerns over the potential dangers to maritime security caused by ongoing military drills.
This came after a U.S. Navy fighter jet and a helicopter both crashed into the South China Sea in two separate incidents on Sunday.
According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, "The US is flexing its muscles by sending military aircraft into the South China Sea frequently, and this serves as a root cause for sabotaging regional peace and stability and maritime security issues."
Guo made these remarks during a press conference held in Beijing, highlighting China's objections to U.S. military presence in the region.
The incidents involved an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, both of which were part of the U.S. Navy’s operations.
The U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet confirmed that the helicopter, belonging to the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 "Battle Cats," crashed around 2:45 p.m. local time while performing routine operations.
Fortunately, all three crew members on board were rescued, according to the fleet's statement on the social media platform X.
Shortly after the helicopter crash, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter, assigned to the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron 22, also went down during routine operations.
The two crew members ejected safely and were later rescued by search and rescue teams from Carrier Strike Group 11.
Guo Jiakun offered China's assistance, saying, "If the United States have any request, then China will provide necessary assistance out of humanitarianism."
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