Beijing reacts after US Navy aircraft crashes in South China Sea: ‘Willing to provide…’
The incidents occurred Sunday during separate routine operations over disputed waters, according to the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet. “All personnel involved are safe and stable. The cause of both incidents is currently under investigation,” the statement said. The statement was included.
Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.
China on Monday responded to reports that two US Navy aircraft, an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet crashed into the South China Sea on Sunday, saying it was ready to provide assistance if the US requests, Global Times reported. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing was “taking into consideration the relevant reports.” “China is ready to provide necessary humanitarian assistance if the US side makes a request.”
Additionally, Guo said that the increase in US warships and aircraft in the South China Sea is a flexibility and is “the root cause of maritime security problems.” According to the Global Times, “The frequent dispatch of US warships and military aircraft to the South China Sea to demonstrate their power is the root cause of maritime security problems and undermines regional peace and stability.” he said.
The incidents occurred Sunday during separate routine operations over disputed waters, according to the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet. “All personnel involved are safe and stable. The cause of both incidents is currently under investigation,” the statement said. The statement was included.
At approximately 14:45 local time, a US Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the “War Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 crashed into South China Sea waters while conducting operations. Search and rescue teams from Carrier Strike Group 11 safely rescued all three crew members. Approximately half an hour later, at 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter assigned to the “Fighting Redcocks” team of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 also crashed during operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68). Both pilots evacuated safely and were rescued by rescue teams.
Parts of the South China Sea are claimed by many countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. Beijing claims much of the strategic waterway and has built military facilities on many islands, often in defiance of international decisions. For years, the U.S. Navy has regularly conducted freedom of navigation operations in the region as part of Washington’s broader strategy to counter Beijing’s maritime expansion.
The twin plane crashes occurred as US President Donald Trump continues his tour of Asia and meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to be held in South Korea later this week to discuss trade issues. Relations between Washington and Beijing have been tense recently, although US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday that a “framework trade agreement” had been reached ahead of the meeting.
(Except for the title, this news has not been edited by the DNA team and is published from ANI news agency).
