EIR Press Release
China Responds to Obama's War Provocation
in the South China Sea
May 2015
May 22, 2015 (EIRNS)—China responded strongly today to Obama’s dangerous stunt on Thursday, flying a P8-A Poseidon war plane over the new islands being constructed by the Chinese on reefs in the Spratly/Nansha which are under their jurisdiction, ignoring eight warnings from the PLA Navy to leave the area.
What CNN refers to as a "U.S. surveillance plane" is a heavy-duty military aircraft whose job is to locate and destroy surface ships and submarines. |
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a press conference today that the action was
"very irresponsible and dangerous and detrimental to regional peace and stability. We express our strong dissatisfaction; we urge the U.S. to strictly abide by international law and international rules and refrain from taking any risky and provocative actions. China will continue to closely monitor the relevant area and take the necessary and appropriate measures to prevent harm to the safety of China’s islands and reefs as well as any sea and air accidents."
The Global Times made the point that inviting CNN to join in the dangerous military mission, and broadcasting the report around the world, demonstrated that "the US is trying to sensationalize China’s reclamation activities..., purposefully raising tensions with China, a move that has created a higher risk of a physical confrontation between both sides.
However, Global TImes notes that
"Now, China has the initiative.... China will show the world its self-restraint in the face of disputes, and the Nansha Islands, thanks to China’s reclamation, might develop into a navigation and fishing hub. The entire regional climate will be dramatically changed. It seems that the US has nearly used up all its tricks to disrupt China’s actions in the South China Sea.... Washington should keep in mind that the might of its warships and fighters have just a long shot at victory in the face of China’s centuries-old wisdom."
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On Wednesday, Dep. Secy. of State Antony Blinken, Obama’s cohort at State, threatened China while visiting Indonesia. China’s behavior, he said,
"threatens to set a new precedent whereby larger countries are free to intimidate smaller ones, and that provokes tensions, instability, and can even lead to conflict."
