China denounces U.S. warplanes' operation near Huangyan Island

Responding to reports that six U.S. Air Force planes performed a flight mission in "international airspace" in the vicinity of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea, China said that Washington was pushing militarization in the name of Freedom of Navigation.

"We have noticed such reports, and it should be pointed out that the U.S. is pushing militarization of the South China Sea in the name of 'Freedom of Navigation," Xinhua quoted a statement issued by China's Ministry of National Defense as saying.

The flight mission was conducted in the South China Sea on April 19.

The statement stressed Beijing's concern and opposed such actions which it said threatened the sovereignty and security of countries around the South China Sea and undermined regional peace and stability.

Citing that Huangyan Island was China's inherent territory, the statement said that the Chinese military would take all necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty and security.