Vietnam warns Chinese bomber on disputed islands in South China Sea ‘jeopardises peace’
- Vietnamese and Chinese media have reported that China has recently deployed fighter jets and at least one bomber, the H-6J, to the Paracels
- Beijing has in recent months expanded its presence and exercises in disputed parts of the waterway while other claimants are battling coronavirus outbreaks
China, which has for years been locked in maritime disputes with other coastal states in the South China Sea, has in recent months boosted its presence and exercises in disputed parts of the strategic waterway, at a time when other claimants are battling coronavirus outbreaks.
“The fact that relevant sides sent weapons and bombers … not only violates Vietnam’s sovereignty but also jeopardises the situation in the area,” ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said at a briefing, when asked to comment on the presence of at least one Chinese bomber on the Paracel Islands.
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The South China Sea dispute explained
Vietnamese and Chinese media have reported that China has recently deployed fighter jets and at least one bomber, the H-6J, to the Paracels, one of two groups of South China Sea islands where China claims historical ownership. Hang did not say when the bomber was seen at the Paracels.
China’s foreign ministry referred questions to the defence ministry, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
China’s defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang late last month said H-6G and H-6J bombers had participated in high intensity training in the area.
Those included take-off and landing exercises, long distance strikes and the hitting of targets above the surface of the sea, Ren said.