The Chinese military ordered a US Navy plane flying over a highly disputed island in the South China Sea on Friday to “leave immediately and…
The Chinese military ordered a US Navy plane flying over a highly disputed island in the South China Sea on Friday to “leave immediately and keep out to avoid any misunderstanding,” according to CNN.
A reporter for the network was given a rare look at the Chinese government’s militarization of the sea, where it built garrisons with five-story buildings, radar facilities, power plants and even runways.
The P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance jet’s crew received six warnings that it was inside Chinese territory as it flew 16,500 feet above the installation.
The aircraft flew past four artificial islands where China has built up fortifications: Subi Reef, Fiery Cross Reef, Johnson Reef and Mischief Reef, according to CNN.
On Subi Reef, the plane’s sensors picked up 86 vessels, including Chinese coast guard ships, while on Fiery Cross Reef, rows of hangars stood alongside a long runway.
“It was surprising to see airports in the middle of the ocean,” said Lt. Lauren Callen aboard the Navy flight.
Each time the Poseidon was challenged by the Chinese, the US Navy crew issued the same response.
