Chinese Navy Threatens US Aircraft Patrolling South China Sea

The Chinese Navy urged a US surveillance aircraft to leave the area as it patrolled over disputed territory in the South China Sea.

CNN reports that the Chinese Navy told the US P8-A Poseidon it needed to leave the area to avoid a "misunderstanding," in one of the eight communications that came from the artificial islands. The US pilot responded by saying it was transiting international airspace. 

Reuters notes that Philippine aircraft in the area have also recently been given similar warnings.

China has been dredging up sand and rock to form islands on atolls and reefs, or add to existing islands, in an effort to bolster its presence in the South China Sea. These islands are also contested by Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Vietnam is also building its own islands in the contested waters, but their work has not proceeded as quickly or dramatically as China's.

CNN reports that the surveillance missions are intended to show that the United States does not view China's claims in the area, known as the Spratly Islands, as valid.

The US maintains this position because the Chinese construction is taking place more than 600 miles from the Chinese mainland. International law recognizes a maximum claim of sovereignty over waters and islands that extend only 200 nautical miles from any given country's mainland if they are a party to the United Nations Law of the Sea treaty. China is a party to that treaty.

In addition to increasing surveillance flights over the Spratlys, the US is thinking about sending warships to patrol in their immediate vicinity. That move, while confrontational and controversial, would be welcomed by US allies like the Philippines.

CNN reports that one of the islands furthest along in its construction is Fiery Cross Reef, which houses an advanced radar system and an airstrip that is designed to support every aircraft in the Chinese Air Force.

Reuters says the strip is not yet operational but could come online as early as the end of 2015.