China accused the United States of a serious military provocation following the flight of an American B-52 strategic bomber over disputed territory in the South China Sea. China's Defense Ministry statement said the U.S. is deliberately increasing tensions in the area. It said, ""The actions by the U.S. side constitute a serious military provocation and are rendering more complex and even militarizing conditions in the South China Sea."Pentagon officials said they are investigating the flight path of the B-52. The military jet flew close to Cuarteron Reef in the Spratly Islands. A senior U.S. defense official said that bad weather may have contributed to the pilot flying off course and into area China claims.