Chinese Pilot Flies Dangerously Close to US Bomber in South China Sea
In a recent incident, a Chinese pilot displayed poor aviation skills by dangerously approaching a US B-52 bomber at an excessive speed, flying underneath it and coming within 10 feet (about three meters) of the aircraft, exposing both planes to significant risk, according to a statement from the US Indo-Pacific Command.
“We are concerned that this pilot was unaware of how close he came to a collision,” the statement said.
However, China’s defense ministry claimed that it was the American pilot who provoked the incident against a Chinese naval operational group conducting routine training in the South China Sea.
The Chinese defense ministry stated that the evidence from the incident proves the US’s guilt as the true provocateur, risk bearer, and disruptor.
“The actions of American warships threaten national security,” said Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Chinese defense ministry, adding that they will take all necessary measures to protect national sovereignty.
CNN noted that the report of escalating tensions between China and the US comes at a time when the White House is expecting a visit from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who held talks with President Joe Biden and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Friday. He also met with his counterpart, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Thursday.
According to Ely Ratner, the top Pentagon official responsible for security in the Indo-Pacific, the US has witnessed more instances of aggressive and risky behavior by Chinese pilots towards American aircraft in the past two years than in the entire previous decade. Since the fall of 2021, there have been 180 such incidents.
Source: iDNES.cz
Link: [Read More](https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/26/politics/china-fighter-jet-us-bomber-south-china-sea/index.html)
How does the Chinese pilot’s engagement in risky flying maneuvers and dangerously close proximity to commercial aircraft impact passenger safety?
Chinese Pilot Engages in Risky Flying Maneuvers, Flies Dangerously Close to
This escalating tension is concerning and could have serious global implications if not addressed diplomatically.
It’s important for both countries to practice restraint and open lines of communication to de-escalate the situation before it spirals out of control.