China Warns U.S. Spy Plane 8 Times To Leave Airspace Over Disputed Islands

CNN: Exclusive: China warns U.S. surveillance plane

Above the South China Sea (CNN)The Chinese navy issued warnings eight times as a U.S. surveillance plane on Wednesday swooped over islands that Beijing is using to extend its zone of influence.

The series of man-made islands and the massive Chinese military build-up on them have alarmed the Pentagon, which is carrying out the surveillance flights in order to make clear the U.S. does not recognize China's territorial claims. The militarized islands have also alarmed America's regional allies.

Former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell told CNN's Erin Burnett Wednesday night that the confrontation indicates there is "absolutely" a risk of the U.S. and China going to war sometime in the future.

WNU Editor: The U.S. responds to these Chinese warnings .... US warns China over provocative 'sandcastles' in the South China Sea (Al Jazeera). My prediction .... once these islands with their airplane strips are completed, expect Chinese jets to confront these surveillance planes instead of just radio warnings.

More News On China Warning A U.S. Spy Plane 8 Times To Leave The Airspace Over Disputed Islands In the South China Sea

China says it’s entitled to keep watch over island claims -- AP
China warns U.S. jet away from disputed islands -- CBS
China issues EIGHT warnings to U.S. surveillance planes to get away from the airspace above disputed man-made islands -- Daily Mail
China warns US plane to leave airspace over disputed islands -- The Guardian
Report: China demanded U.S plane leave island airspace -- USA Today
Chinese navy barks at U.S. surveillance aircraft over disputed islands: ‘You go!’ -- Washington Times
Report: China Warns US Spy Plane -- VOA
Chinese Navy to US Surveillance Plane: ‘Leave Immediately!’ -- Epoch Times
Chinese warnings to U.S. plane hint of rising stakes over disputed islands -- Washington Post
China Asserts Right to Watch Skies After Warning U.S. Plane -- Bloomberg