The Foreign Affairs Ministry will summon China’s ambassador to Malaysia for an explanation on an incident involving a formation of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (Plaaf) aircraft near Beting Patinggi Ali (Luconia Shoals) yesterday.

In addition, its minister Hishammuddin Hussein (above) said he will “relay Malaysia’s serious concern” over the matter to his counterpart in China, while his ministry will lodge a formal diplomatic protest.

“Malaysia’s stand is clear - having friendly diplomatic relations with a country does not mean that we will compromise our national security.

“Malaysia remains steadfast in defending our dignity and our sovereignty,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier today, the Royal Malaysian Air Force said it had intercepted 16 aircraft that were “flying suspiciously” towards Malaysian airspace.

The formation entered the Malaysian Maritime Zone while failing to follow orders to contact air traffic controllers overseeing the Kota Kinabalu Flight Information Region (FIR).

Interceptors launched from Labuan Airbase identified the formation as Ilyushin IL-76 and Xi’an Y-20 strategic transport aircrafts of the Plaaf.

“This incident is a very serious threat to our national sovereignty and aviation security due to the density of air traffic in the airways of the Kota Kinabalu FIR,” the Air Force said of yesterday’s incident.

It said the Plaaf transports came within 60 nautical miles (111km) from the coast of Sarawak.

Beting Patinggi Ali is part of a longstanding maritime dispute between China and several countries including Malaysia.

Both Malaysia and China claim sovereignty over the shoals, although the latter’s claims are not internationally recognised.

Air Force intercepts China military aircraft near Luconia Shoals

Air Force intercepts China military aircraft near Luconia Shoals