On May 26, 2023, a Chinese J-16 fighter jet flew directly in front of an American surveillance plane flying in international airspace over the South China Sea. The U.S. Air Force plane was forced to fly through the fighter’s wake turbulence, causing the aircraft to shake.
The U.S. military released a video of the incident, which shows the Chinese jet flying just feet in front of the American plane. The video also shows the crew inside the American plane being bounced around as they fly through the Chinese jet’s wake.
The U.S. military called the Chinese maneuver “unprofessional” and “an unnecessarily aggressive act.” The U.S. military also said that the Chinese jet came within 10 feet of the American plane, which is considered to be a dangerous and potentially dangerous maneuver.
The Chinese government has not commented on the incident.
Background
The United States and China have been engaged in a growing rivalry in the South China Sea. China has been asserting its claims to sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, which is a major shipping lane and home to rich fishing grounds. The United States has been conducting freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, which have been met with protests from China.
The incident on May 26 is the latest in a series of close encounters between U.S. and Chinese military aircraft in the South China Sea. In 2018, a Chinese J-20 fighter jet flew within 50 feet of an American EP-3E surveillance plane. In 2019, a Chinese J-10 fighter jet flew within 10 feet of an American P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane.
The implications of the incident
The incident on May 26 is a reminder of the growing tensions between the United States and China in the South China Sea. The incident also raises concerns about the potential for an accident or miscalculation that could lead to a conflict between the two countries.
The United States has called on China to stop its aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. The United States has also said that it will continue to conduct freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea.
The Chinese government has said that it will not back down from its claims to sovereignty over the South China Sea. The Chinese government has also said that it will take necessary measures to protect its interests in the region.
The incident on May 26 is a sign that the tensions between the United States and China in the South China Sea are likely to continue. The incident also raises concerns about the potential for an accident or miscalculation that could lead to a conflict between the two countries.