BEIJING, June 7 (CGTN) - China on Tuesday warned Australia to stop provocations, strictly manage the actions of its naval and air forces, or face "serious consequences."

Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks after an Australian P-8A ASW aircraft repeatedly approached Chinese airspace in the Xisha Islands for close-in recon on May 26.

Chinese military identified and verified the Australian aircraft and warned it to leave, Tan said.

The Australian aircraft seriously threatened China's sovereignty and security, said Tan, adding that the Chinese military's response was professional, safe, reasonable and legal.