Beijing tells US to stop spy flights

China urged the United States on Thursday to stop its close surveillance by patrol aircraft near Chinese territory if it seriously wants to repair damaged bilateral ties.

Speaking at a news conference, Yang Yujun, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, denied a claim by the US State Department that Washington had told Beijing of the reconnaissance flights and that the missions are "open and transparent".

"There has been no notification in advance" every time the US sent aircraft to conduct close-in reconnaissance near Chinese territory, he said.