Over the South China Sea: The United States accuses China of “aggressive” maneuvers

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The US Pacific Command on Tuesday accused a Chinese pilot of an “unnecessarily aggressive” intercept maneuver. The incident happened last Friday. The US RC-135 aircraft was conducting a “safe and routine operation over the South China Sea in international airspace,” according to the US Pacific Command.

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.

Increasing militarization of the region

“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.

China claims practically all of the South China Sea for itself. But the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also claim areas there. 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. 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. (SDA)

Source: Blick