NBC: Given the close encounter in the Taiwan Strait on the weekend and a recent encounter between US aircraft and Chinese aircraft in the South China Sea last week, should any foreign aircraft or maritime vessel expect the same sort of encounter with Chinese jets or ships when traversing these areas? From China’s perspective, is the message now “this is standard operating procedure or the new norm”?

Wang Wenbin: I’ve shared China’s principled position just now. I would like to quote the response from the Chinese delegation at the Shangri-La Dialogue, who raised this question: why did all the so-called “unsafe” and “unprofessional” incidents – according to US officials – happen near the airspace and territorial waters of China, but not other countries? This deserves some serious thought.

I also want to stress that China respects the right of navigation and overflight that all countries are entitled to under international law. The Chinese military responded to the situation in accordance with laws and regulations. These actions are completely professional, justified and lawful.

(Source: Chinese Foreign Ministry's website)