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.

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.”

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