As has only now become known, a dangerous incident occurred over the South China Sea last week. The US government on Tuesday accused a Chinese pilot of an “unnecessarily aggressive” intercept maneuver. A US Air Force reconnaissance aircraft was hit.
However, the RC-135 aircraft was in international airspace, the US Pacific Command stressed. The Chinese pilot flew his fighter jet right in front of the American plane’s nose, forcing it to fly through the Chinese jet’s wake turbulence. This is invisible turbulence that can be dangerous for following aircraft. “We expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific region to use international airspace safely and in accordance with international law,” the statement said. The US also released video of the incident (see below).
A similar incident had already occurred in December of the previous year. At the same time, a US reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea was also hit. “The US is registering an increase in high-risk interceptions. Chinese planes are getting closer and more aggressive,” a spokeswoman for Pacific Command told CNN.
Relations between the US and China are at an all-time low. China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, its claims in the South China Sea and the ongoing trade war with mutual punitive tariffs are the main causes of controversy.
China’s Territorial Claims in the South China Sea
China claims practically all of the South China Sea for itself. However, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also make territorial claims. The United States and China’s neighbors accuse Beijing of increasing militarization of the region. The International Court of Arbitration in The Hague rejected the territorial claims in 2016. But China ignores the verdict.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
