China refutes US allegations

“After checking with the relevant authorities what US said is not true,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a media briefing here responding to questions about Pentagon allegations that the Chinese planes came dangerously close to its maritime reconnaissance plane.

 “On May 17, a US EP3 reconnaissance plane flew close to Hainan island of China for reconnaissance activities. Two Chinese aircraft followed and monitored the US plane in accordance with the law and kept safe distance from the US plane and did not make any dangerous moves,” Hong said.

“What the Chinese planes have done is completely professional and safe. It is worth pointing out that the US military planes frequently fly close to Chinese coastal areas for reconnaissance activities posing severe threat to China’s maritime air and security. This should immediately stop,” he said.