BEIJING: China has attributed the recent incident in which a Chinese plane crossed in front of an American surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea to the US “provocation.” The incident occurred amidst strained relations between Washington and Beijing over various issues, including Taiwan and the shooting down of an alleged Chinese spy balloon in the United States earlier this year.
When questioned about the incident, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that the continuous presence of US ships and planes conducting close surveillance on China significantly undermines the country’s national sovereignty and security.
Mao labeled such activities as provocative and dangerous, calling for an immediate halt to this form of provocation by the United States. She emphasized that China would take all necessary steps to protect its own sovereignty and security.
The US military had previously announced that a Chinese fighter pilot performed an unnecessarily aggressive maneuver near an American surveillance aircraft operating over the South China Sea. Video footage released by the US military shows the Chinese fighter plane crossing in front of the American aircraft, causing turbulence. The Indo-Pacific Command stated that the Chinese plane flew directly in front of the American aircraft, forcing it to pass through its wake turbulence.
US Jet Intruded into Military Training Area: China
However, China’s military spokesperson, Zhang Nandong, claimed on Wednesday that the US jet had intruded into a military training area. Zhang stated that a US RC-135 reconnaissance plane deliberately broke into their training area for reconnaissance and interference. China sent aircraft to track and monitor the jet in accordance with their laws and regulations, Zhang added.
The Pentagon characterized the incident as part of a pattern of behavior by China, citing an increase in risky aerial intercepts and confrontations at sea. A senior US defence official expressed concern over these actions, highlighting their potential to cause unsafe incidents or miscalculations.
The announcement of the incident came shortly after China declined a US invitation for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to meet his Chinese counterpart in Singapore. In response, Chinese defence ministry spokesman Tan Kefei criticized the United States for creating obstacles and undermining mutual trust between the two militaries.
While efforts to lower tensions between the US and China have been observed, challenges in exchanges and strengthening communication persist. Both sides have expressed interest in improving relations, with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi meeting in Vienna earlier this month. President Joe Biden has also expressed hope for a thaw in ties between Washington and Beijing in the near future.
