BEIJING (Sputnik) — Yujun also called for enhanced mutual trust, resolving differences on a mutually acceptable basis and avoiding crises. He added Beijing always counted on a positive engagement with the US in the Asia-Pacific region to uphold peace, security and stability.
"We hope the US side will make every effort with the Chinese side to mutually respect both countries' core interests and concerns… [and] promote the ongoing development of relations in the military field," Sr. Col. Yang Yujun said at a press conference.
Commenting on the US reconnaissance aircraft's flight last week over the South China Sea, the spokesman emphasized that Chinese armed forces acted professionally and within the law.
"In truth, the US military has long been keeping close reconnaissance and surveillance operations in China; the Chinese army takes the necessary, legal and professional steps in response on an equally constant basis," Yujun said at the conference.
He argued that the subject's sudden popularity in mass media may suggest certain powers' attempts to discredit the Chinese military and exacerbate regional tensions.
China's territorial claims to the South China Sea are disputed by Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei. Similar delimitation issues mar China's relations with Japan and South Korea.
Washington urges the parties to negotiate and avoid tensions, while simultaneously seeking to strengthen its strategic alliance with a number of regional countries in dispute with Beijing.
