The U.S. military said Chinese fighter jets approached U.S. air force reconnaissance planes over the South China Sea and disrupted their flights, urging China to refrain from taking dangerous actions.
According to a statement by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, on December 21, U.S. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft were conducting routine reconnaissance operations in international airspace over the South China Sea when a Chinese fighter jet came within six meters of its nose. The reconnaissance plane took action to avoid a collision because it approached and interfered with the flight.
In a statement, the U.S. military urged China to refrain from dangerous actions, stating, "We hope all countries can use international airspace safely in accordance with international law."
"We are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and will continue to fly and navigate while paying close attention to the safety of all ships and aircraft," he said. emphasized.
In recent years, the U.S. Department of Defense has heightened its vigilance over the South China Sea and other airspace, citing a surge in dangerous sabotage by Chinese military aircraft against aircraft from the U.S. and its allies. In a meeting with Japan's Defense Minister, he expressed concern that the behavior of Chinese military aircraft increased the risk of accidents.