China defends expulsion of Australian military jet

A China's Ministry of National Defense spokesman said on Friday that China's expulsion of an Australian warplane, which intruded into the airspace over the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea, was completely reasonable and lawful, urging the Australian side not to blindly follow others.

In a statement, the spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said that on Tuesday, the Australian side deliberately infringed upon and provoked China in the South China Sea and then falsely accused China, spreading a misleading narrative.

"We firmly oppose that and have lodged a solemn representation with the Australian side," he said.

It should be noted that the Australian military aircraft chose not to take the clear path but instead intruded into someone else's territory in the South China Sea, he said.

He added that China's expulsion of the aircraft was entirely reasonable and lawful, beyond reproach, and a legitimate defense of national sovereignty and security.

"We urge Australia to abandon its risky and reckless behavior, strictly restrain its front-line naval and air forces, and not act as a follower and enforcer, stirring up trouble in the South China Sea to the detriment of others and itself," he said.