CNN gets rare access on board a US military surveillance flight over the hotly-disputed islands in the South China Sea.
CNN: 'Leave immediately': US Navy plane warned over South China Sea
'Leave immediately': US Navy plane warned over South China Sea
Above the South China Sea (CNN)High above one of the most hotly contested regions in the world, CNN was given a rare look Friday at the Chinese government's rapidly expanding militarization of the South China Sea
Aboard a US Navy P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance plane, CNN got a view from 16,500 feet of low-lying coral reefs turned into garrisons with five-story buildings, large radar installations, power plants and runways sturdy enough to carry large military aircraft.
During the flight the crew received six separate warnings from the Chinese military, telling them they were inside Chinese territory and urging them to leave.
"Leave immediately and keep out to avoid any misunderstanding," a voice said.
The US Navy jet flew past four key artificial islands in the Spratly chain where China has built up fortifications: Subi Reef, Fiery Cross Reef, Johnson Reef and Mischief Reef.
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WNU Editor: This is now the new normal in the South China Sea.
