As captured by a CNN crew, a U.S. military reconnaissance aircraft was warned by a Chinese fighter jet and a guided-missile destroyer warship in the South China Sea.
The encounter took place when the American aircraft was 30 miles from any airspace considered to be owned by China, including the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.
Despite being outside of their jurisdiction, the Chinese military took a proactive approach to defend their territory, which could be seen as threatening.
The American pilot only realized something was wrong when a booming voice from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) came across the radio, claiming that the American aircraft was approaching Chinese airspace.
The encounter was so close that the Chinese military symbol’s red stars could be seen on the pilot’s helmet and the side of the plane.
The incident lasted for about 15 minutes, during which the Chinese pilot continued to escort the American plane from just 500 feet away, leading to growing tensions between the two countries.
Later on, the American aircraft spotted a Chinese Navy guided-missile destroyer warship, which was likely armed with dozens of surface-to-air missiles.
Despite descending to 1,000ft to keep a safe distance from the ship, the American aircraft received further warnings from the PLA.
Such missions are considered routine by the US Navy, but the radio silence from the Chinese military leaves questions unanswered about their understanding of the situation and intentions.
The South China Sea has become a potential flashpoint in the Asia Pacific due to territorial disputes between China and its neighbours over islands like the Paracels.
The region holds significant resources, including fish, oil, and gas, and roughly one-third of global shipping valued at around $3.4 trillion in 2016 passes through it.
China continues to claim historic jurisdiction over almost the entire sea and has been constructing artificial islands since 2014, complete with missiles, runways, and weapons systems, for tactical and military domination of the area.
Despite civilian populations inhabiting them, the islands have no other apparent purpose.
China regularly conducts military exercises throughout the South China Sea.
Its large presence of coast guard and fishing vessels in the disputed waters has further stoked tensions with its neighbours.
»U.S. military reconnaissance aircraft is warned by Chinese fighter jet«
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