China refutes claims that Iran used Chinese-made shoulder-fired missiles to shoot down a U.S. F-15 fighter jet: opposes baseless smearing or malicious associations
U.S. officials are still investigating the incident in April when a U.S. military F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down. This marks the first time in decades that a U.S. combat aircraft has been brought down by enemy fire.
Last month, after the F-15 was shot down, the United States stated it was hit by a shoulder-fired missile. This weapon is about 7 feet long and weighs around 40 pounds, also known as a "man-portable air-defense system" (Manpad), a low-cost and effective weapon for shooting down low-flying aircraft.
Both crew members of the F-15 safely ejected over Iranian airspace. According to the Pentagon, the pilot was rescued within seven hours, but the weapons systems operator hid in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains, making the search and rescue operation take two days.
In response to the F-15's downing, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United States issued a statement saying, "China has always adopted a cautious and responsible approach in arms exports, strictly controlling them in accordance with its own export control laws and regulations and international obligations. China opposes unfounded smearing or malicious associations."
Additionally, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, "China has consistently maintained a prudent and responsible attitude toward military exports, strictly supervising arms exports in accordance with national laws, regulations, and international commitments. We oppose baseless smearing or malicious associations."
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1866627117258752/
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