China today rebuked its close ally North Korea for firing rockets during a military drill minutes before a Chinese commercial airline carrying over 200 people flew in the area.
"Relevant country" should follow international practise to ensure the security of civilian facilities in airspace and maritime space, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said when asked about reports about North Korea launching the rockets.
South Korean media reported that North Korea yesterday fired rockets minutes before the China Southern Airlines plane travelling from Tokyo to Shenyang, China, crossed the area.
Qin said no specific matters related to China's civil aviation safety were reported on Tuesday. But, "we will check the situation with relevant parties and express our concern which is necessary."
"I want to stress here that we attach great importance to the security of China's civilian flights," he said.
"If any country is to hold training or exercises, it should take measures in accordance with international practise to ensure the safety of civil (facilities) in relevant airspace and maritime space," Qin said.
