BEIJING, Apr. 20 (ChinaMil) -- The recent Australian media report that Australian warships were "challenged" by the Chinese military in South China Sea in early April did not accord with the facts, said the information office of China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) in a written statement on Friday.
"The Chinese naval warships encountered the Australian warships in the South China Sea on April 15. The Chinese side used professional language to communicate with the Australian side, and their operations were lawful, in compliance, professional and safe,” said the statement.