Beijing denounces U.S. B-1B bomber flight over South China Sea

July 7 (UPI) -- China issued a warning after two U.S. B-1B bombers took part in a joint drill with Japan in the East China Sea, then flew over the South China Sea.

Beijing's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters at a regular press briefing on Friday that China is "adamantly opposed to acts that undermine China's sovereignty," South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, a claim the United States has challenged.

On Friday Geng said he had "confirmed reports" of the B-1B Lancers, but "details of the situation have not been determined."

"China does not have problems with freedom of navigation or flights over the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and respects and supports those freedoms in accordance with international law," Geng said. "But China is opposed to individual countries making a show of force while waving their flag. China is adamantly opposed to actions that undermine sovereignty and security."

The B-1B strategic bombers had flown over the South China Sea, after concluding drills with Japanese forces in the East China Sea, according to the BBC.

Tokyo has reported several instances of Chinese coast guard ships entering Japan-claimed waters near the Senkaku Islands.

U.S. Pacific Air Forces said the joint drills "demonstrate the solidarity between Japan and the United States to defend against provocative and destabilizing actions in the Pacific theater."

Two B-1B bombers last flew over the South China Sea on June 8, after taking off from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, according to the U.S. Pacific Command.