China warns US plane to leave airspace over disputed islands
China warns US plane to leave airspace over disputed islands
CNN reported that a Chinese naval vessel issued eight warnings to the US plane on Wednesday, in an apparent effort to establish a no-fly zone near the artificial islands. When US pilots pointed out that they were flying through international airspace, an exasperated Chinese radio operator responded: “This is the Chinese navy … you go!”
China urges caution from US over South China Sea disputes
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The exchange is an indication of what could lie ahead if the US decides to send military aircraft and ships to the area, where China is locked in a battle of wills over ownership of reefs with the Philippines and several other countries.
The incident occurred in the skies above Fiery Cross reef, where China has triggered international anger with the construction of an early-warning radar station and other military facilities on reclaimed land.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/21/china-warns-us-plane-to-leave-airspace-over-disputed-islands
Satellite images taken by DigitalGlobe appear to show that China has been extending coastlines and placing buildings on reefs in the South China Sea that are claimed by four other nations
this is a very military strategic point
= new reply since forum marked as read
