Huangyan Island is China’s inherent territory, and that Chinese military will take all necessary measures to guard the sovereignty and national security, said China’s Ministry of Defense Monday in response to the report that 6 U.S. warplanes flew in the “international airspace” near Huangyan Island in South China Sea on April 19, 2016.

“We have noticed the relevant reports. We need to point out that U.S. is promoting the militarization of South China Sea in the name of ‘freedom of navigation’,” said Ministry of Defense, “This threatens the sovereignty and national security of the relevant coastal states, as well as the regional peace and stability. We must express our concern and protest towards it.”