China has warned the United States to stop provocative actions or risk causing an accident after a US military plane flew over part of the South China Sea.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei made the remarks at a routine press conference on Friday, saying that China is "strongly dissatisfied" with the US action, calling it a security threat to China's islands and reefs.
"Such action is likely to cause an accident; it is completely irresponsible and completely dangerous and detrimental to regional peace and stability. We express our strong dissatisfaction, we urge the US to strictly abide by international law and international rules and refrain from taking any risky and provocative actions."
Hong Lei adds that China will continue to closely monitor this area.
"China will continue to monitor the area and take the necessary and appropriate measures to prevent harm to the safety of China's islands and reefs as well as any sea and air accidents."
The Chinese navy issued eight warnings to a US surveillance aircraft conducting a fly-over on Wednesday.
