Allegation of injuring US airmen rebutted

China rebutted on Friday the United States' allegation that "Chinese personnel in Djibouti used lasers to target US aircraft and injured American pilots", saying it is not true.

The Defense Ministry said in a statement that it has dismissed such ungrounded accusations from some US officials via official channels. It added that China always firmly honors international laws and laws in Djibouti, and is dedicated to safeguarding regional security and peace.

Hua Chunying, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, also said on Friday that China hopes that those making the accusations consider the truthfulness of their words and not issue untrue charges.

The Associated Press reported on Thursday that the US issued a formal complaint to the Chinese government over what it called "the use of high-grade lasers near the military base in Djibouti that were directed at aircraft and resulted in minor injuries to two American pilots".

Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said on Thursday the incidents represent a serious threat to US airmen, and the US has asked China to investigate, the report said.

The Chinese military established the Djibouti Logistics Support Base, the nation's first of its kind, in July. It opened in August and is tasked with supporting naval escort, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in Africa and western Asia.