A US surveillance aircraft flying over the South China Sea was warned by the Chinese Navy as it conducted its mission. Reports say the US plane flew at 4,500 metres at its lowest point. The Pentagon has declassified video and released the voice file for the first time.
One Chinese Navy said:"Foreign military aircraft, this is Chinese navy, you are approaching our military alert shore. Leave immediately.This is Chinese navy. This is Chinese navy. Please go quickly.This is Chinese coast guard, please go away quickly. You are ordered to."
The P8-A Poseidon, America's most advanced surveillance and submarine-hunting aircraft received 8 warnings in total. An American news team was given exclusive access to join in the surveillance flights which the Pentagon allowed for the first time.
The aim of the move was to make clear that the US does not recognize China's territorial claims. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has voiced "serious concern" towards US military activities in the South China Sea and urged the US not to take any risks or make any provocations so as to maintain regional peace and stability.