China Rejects Vietnam's Complaints That Its Landings In The South China Sea Threaten Regional Air Security

A photo released by Chinese official Xinhua News Agency shows a China Southern Airlines civilian plane landing Wednesday at an airstrip on the Fiery Cross Reef in a disputed area of the South China Sea PHOTO: HANDOUT/REUTERS

Reuters: China defends South China Sea reef landings after Vietnam complaint

Jan 11 China on Monday rejected a complaint from Vietnam that China had failed to notify it about flights to an island it has built in disputed waters in the South China Sea saying it was a China's territory and it did not need to notify anyone.

Chinese civilian aircraft have conducted several test landings on Fiery Cross Reef, one of three runways China has been building for more than a year by dredging sand up onto reefs and atolls in the Spratly Islands.

Vietnam and the Philippines have both objected to the flights and the United States, which has criticised China's construction of islands in the South China Sea, has expressed concern about an increase in tension in the region.

Vietnam says China's landings were on what it calls an "illegally" built reef, and has vowed to defend its sovereignty through peaceful measures.

Previous Post: Vietnam Accuses China Of Threatening Regional Air Security In The South China Sea

WNU Editor: This is not a settled matter. Expect the war of words between Vietnam and China to continue.

More News On China Rejecting Vietnam's Complaints That Its Landings In The South China Sea Threaten Regional Air Security

China rejects Vietnam's accusations over test flights in South China Sea -- Xinhuanet
China rejects Vietnam protests over plane landings in SC Sea -- Business Standard
Philippines follows Vietnam in opposing China's runway test -- Indian Republic
U.S., Philippines to discuss concerns over new Chinese islands -- AP