Malaysia denounces China’s “intrusion” into its maritime area, intercepting military planes over the sea

The Malaysian Air Force has deployed fighters to intercept 16 Chinese military transport planes in the South China Sea off the country’s coast., a rare incident, in response to what Kuala Lumpur officials on Tuesday called threat to “national sovereignty”.

The incident happened on Monday in front of the borneo island, on hotly contested waters, where China Yes Malaysia keep territorial claims and disputes.

The Chinese Air Force transport planes approached Malaysian airspace in “tactical formation” and they flew about 60 nautical miles (just over 110 km) offshore, the Malaysian Air Force said in a statement.

The Chinese planes were detected by radar and attempts were made on several occasions to contact them. The Air Force described the the appearance of the planes as “suspicious”.

As they got closer the air force sent planes to intercept and identify them, Y they did not enter Malaysian airspace, diverting its route.

“This incident is serious with regard to national sovereignty and air safety”, because it is a very overflown area, according to the press release.

Malaysian Foreign Minister, Hishamudin Husein, indicates that they had flown over the Malaysian “sea zone”, an area that extends far beyond the coast, calling it “intrusion”.

The ministry will file a protest with Beijing and summon the Chinese ambassador to hand over a “Explanation of this violation of airspace and Malaysian sovereignty”he said in a statement.

“Malaysia’s position is very clear: having friendly diplomatic relations with any country does not mean that we are going to compromise our national security.”He added, while stressing that “Malaysia is firmly committed to upholding our dignity and sovereignty.

China claimed most of the South china sea and he built numerous military posts on small islands and atolls, infuriating other countries with competing claims to the waters.

Despite their overlapping claims, relations between Malaysia and China are generally cordial and Monday’s incident was unusual. However, there have been tensions in the region in the past.

Last year a Chinese exploration vessel had a long confrontation with a Malaysian oil exploration vessel against Borneo.

Other applicants at sea are Vietnam, Philippines, Brunei Yes Taiwan. The United States also sent warships across the waters to enforce international rights to freedom of navigation, which exasperates China.

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