China Foreign Ministry says Australia’s military flight was “deliberately complicating the situation in the South China Sea”

During a press conference on Dec. 15, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said Australia’s recent military flight in the South China Sea was “deliberately complicating the situation” there.

W020151215666982206392[1]

On the same day, the Australian Defence Department confirmed the incident on Nov. 15, which was recorded down by the BBC.

“A Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion was conducting a routine maritime patrol in the region as part of Operation GATEWAY from 25 November to 4 December.

“Under Operation Gateway, the Australian Defence Force conducts routine maritime surveillance patrols in the North Indian Ocean and South China Sea as a part of Australia’s enduring contribution to the preservation of regional security and stability in South East Asia.”

[thumb]http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1324515.shtml[/thumb]