BEIJING, Oct. 22 -- "Australia has infringed upon and provoked China, yet slandered China's defense actions as 'unsafe' and 'unprofessional'. Such fallacies are utterly unacceptable anywhere," said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), in a statement on Wednesday.

The spokesperson made the above remarks when responding to a recent statement of the Australian Government Department of Defence, which claimed that the Chinese PLA Air Force aircraft conducted "unsafe, unprofessional maneuver" and released flares to the RAAF P-8A aircraft patrolling the South China Sea on October 19, and this has "posed a risk" to the aircraft and its personnel.

"The Australia's statement is a blatant distortion of facts. It falsely accused China, attempting to cover up the vile act of its military aircraft illegally intruding into China's airspace. We are strongly dissatisfied with this and have lodged stern representations with the Australian side," slammed Spokesperson Jiang.

It should be emphasized that the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command organized its troops to firmly intercept and expel the Australian military aircraft that violated the airspace of China's Xisha, and the relevant actions were legitimate, professional and restrained, the spokesperson continued, adding that "Australia has infringed upon and provoked China, yet slandered China's defense actions as 'unsafe' and 'unprofessional'. Such fallacies are utterly unacceptable anywhere."

The spokesperson urged the Australian side to immediately cease its infringement, provocation and incitement, strictly restrain the actions of its frontline maritime and aerial forces, and avoid undermining the relations between China and Australia and their militaries. "The Chinese military will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability," he stressed.