China has expressed willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to the United States following the crash of two U.S. Navy aircraft in the South China Sea, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday.
Spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized China's commitment to regional stability while addressing concerns about U.S. military activities. "The frequent dispatch of U.S. warships and aircraft to flex military muscles is the root cause of maritime security risks," Guo stated during a press conference in Beijing.
The offer of assistance comes amid ongoing tensions in the strategically vital waterway, where over $3 trillion in annual trade passes through. Analysts suggest the move demonstrates China's dual approach of maintaining diplomatic openness while asserting its position on regional security matters.
Maritime safety experts highlight the operational challenges of military exercises in crowded shipping lanes, with the South China Sea witnessing a 15% increase in commercial vessel traffic since 2022. The incident raises questions about balancing national security interests with international maritime safety protocols.
