China Creating New Islands In South China Sea, Claiming ADIZ In The Region

A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft was challenged last week by a Chinese military dispatcher while on patrol over waters that are recognized to be international.

The Navy has released video and audio recordings from the flight, which was conducted over an area known as Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Island chain. China is conducting extensive work in the area, reclaiming reefs into islands that could be used for military purposes, according to a report from Fox News.

On the recording, the Chinese military dispatcher is heard to say "Foreign military aircraft, this is Chinese navy. You are approaching our military alert zone. Leave immediately." The U.S. crew responded that it was operating in international airspace, but the Chinese dispatcher again said "This is the Chinese navy ... You go!"

The P-8A continued its reconnaissance mission. U.S. diplomat for East Asia Daniel Russel said that the flights were completely appropriate. "Nobody in their right mind is going to try to stop the U.S. Navy from operating. We believe that every county and all civilian actors also should have unfettered access to international airspace," Russel said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei, however, said at a regular daily briefing shortly after the incident that Beijing claims "indisputable sovereignty" over the newly-created islands built of sand poured over atolls and reefs.

(Image from U.S. Navy video)

FMI: www.navy.mil