Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Air Force Malaysia on Tuesday (1/6) deployed jets to intercept 16 military aircraft China off the coast of the Neighboring State adjacent to at South China Sea. An official in Malaysia said the intercept was carried out because the 16 Chinese planes were considered by his country to be a threat to national sovereignty.
As many as 16 Chinese military aircraft on Monday (31/6) yesterday said Malaysia had breached their territory on the island of Borneo, precisely above the waters, where China and they both have the same territorial claims.
The Malaysian air force in their statement said the Chinese air force transport plane approached Malaysian airspace in a “tactical formation” and flew within about 60 nautical miles from the coast.
They were spotted by radar and claimed to have made several attempts to contact the plane.
As they approached, the air force sent planes to intercept and identify them. But, they did not enter the country’s airspace before flying.
The Malaysian air force called the actions of the Chinese warplanes suspicious.
“This incident is a serious matter in terms of national sovereignty and aviation safety, as the area is a busy place for aircraft,” a Malaysian official said in a statement.
The Chinese foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the incident.
China has claimed almost all of the South China Sea. In fact, they have built many military outposts on small islands and atolls.
China’s move angered other countries that also claim to own the waters.
(afp / agt)
– .
