The United States Indo-Pacific Command said on Tuesday that a Chinese fighter jet carried out a “hostile maneuver” near a US reconnaissance aircraft over the China Sea on Friday.
“A Chinese pilot flying a J-16 fighter performed an unnecessary aggressive maneuver while intercepting a US Air Force RC-135 on May 26,” the US command said.
She added, “The Chinese pilot flew directly in front of the front of the American plane, forcing it to fly into turbulence.”
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The US command also confirmed that the US aircraft “was carrying out safe and routine operations over the South China Sea, in international airspace and in accordance with international law.”
“The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows,” she added, noting that it “expects all countries in the Indo-Pacific region to use international airspace safely and in accordance with international law.”
