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China Views US Reconnaissance Flights Over S China Sea as Security Threat

© AP Photo / Charles DharapakIn this May 1, 2016, photo, an illuminated globe shows the South China Sea at a museum in Pathumthani, Thailand
In this May 1, 2016, photo, an illuminated globe shows the South China Sea at a museum in Pathumthani, Thailand - Sputnik International
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US reconnaissance flights over the South China Sea constitute a threat to China's security, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Thursday.

The latest Chinese Jian-series fighter jet executes a fly-by over Beijing on September 12, 2009 during a rehearsal for National Day - Sputnik International
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China Confirms Intercepting US Reconnaissance Plane Over South China Sea
BEIJING (Sputnik) According to the Chinese official, China's military shadowed a US reconnaissance plane flying over the South China Sea but kept a safe distance and did not make any dangerous maneuvers.

"US warplanes are constantly conducting reconnaissance flights close to Chinese coastal areas which is a great threat to China's air and marine security…. We demand that the United States stop close reconnaissance flights and prevent repeated incidents," Hong told journalists at a briefing.

Earlier, the Pentagon said two Chinese fighters had intercepted a US reconnaissance plane that was on a routine patrol in international airspace over the South China Sea on May 17.

The South China Sea has recently seen increased tensions between Washington and Beijing as both try to reaffirm their dominance in the region. US air and naval patrols persistently challenge China's claims over territories disputed with Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan.

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