Beijing warns US military flights in South China Sea could lead to accident

Beijing said on Friday it was "strongly dissatisfied" after a US military plane flew over part of the South China Sea near where China is building artificial islands, and called on Washington to stop such action or risk causing an "accident".

"Such action is likely to cause an accident; it is very irresponsible and dangerous and detrimental to regional peace and stability. We express our strong dissatisfaction. We urge the US to strictly abide by international law and international rules and refrain from taking any risky and provocative actions," foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular news briefing.

"China will continue to closely monitor the relevant area and take the necessary and appropriate measures to prevent harm to the safety of China's islands and reefs as well as any sea and air accidents."

Watch: 'Go away!' US Navy spy plane in tense radio exchange with Chinese navy over South China Sea

Hong's remark came after CNN reported on Wednesday that a Chinese navy dispatcher demanded eight times that a US Air Force P8-A Poseidon surveillance aircraft leave the area as it flew over Fiery Cross Reef, where China has conducted extensive reclamation work.