He said any military and civilian plane flying over the disputed waterway could easily get within range of the Chinese islands’ missile system. “They can fly fighters, bombers plus all those offensive capabilities of missile systems.”Īdmiral John C Aquilino (left) commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, looks at videos of Chinese structures and buildings on board a US P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance plane flying in the South China Sea on Sunday. “The function of those islands is to expand the offensive capability of the PRC beyond their continental shores,” he said. Near Fiery Cross, more than 40 vessels could be seen apparently anchored.Īquilino said the construction of missile arsenals, aircraft hangars, radar systems and other military facilities on Mischief Reef, Subi Reef and Fiery Cross appeared to have been completed but it remained to be seen if China would pursue the construction of military infrastructure in other areas. The US flight crew reminded the Chinese to comply with aviation safety regulations, he said.Īs the P-8A Poseidon flew near the Chinese-occupied reefs, some appeared to house multi-story buildings, warehouses, hangars, seaports, runways and radars.

Navy commanding officer Joel Martinez, who led the P-8A Poseidon’s crew, said there had been an incident in which a Chinese jet flew close to a US aircraft in a dangerous manoeuvre in the disputed region. “Exercising these rights is guaranteed by international law and I am operating with due regard to the rights and duties of all states,” he said. “I am a sovereign immune United States naval aircraft conducting lawful military activities beyond the national airspace of any coastal state,” a US pilot radioed back to the Chinese. Stay away immediately to avoid misjudgment,” one of the stern radio messages said in a veiled threat.īut the US navy plane dismissed the multiple warnings and pressed on defiantly with its reconnaissance in brief but tense moments witnessed by two AP journalists invited onboard.

“China has sovereignty over the Spratly islands, as well as surrounding maritime areas.

Battle of warships anti air forces