Chinese Fighter Jet Nearly Collides with US B-52 Bomber in South China Sea
BANGKOK — On Tuesday, a Chinese fighter jet came dangerously close to a US B-52 bomber flying over the South China Sea, almost causing a catastrophic collision, according to the US military. This incident highlights the potential for mishaps as both countries compete for influence in the region.
The US Indo-Pacific Command stated that during the night intercept, the Shenyang J-11 fighter jet flew “below, in front of, and within 10 feet” of the B-52, flying at an “uncontrolled excessive speed.” This reckless maneuver put both aircraft at risk of a collision. The US military expressed concern that the Chinese pilot may not have been aware of the dangerous proximity.
China’s Foreign Ministry shifted blame onto the US, accusing the American aircraft of deliberately provoking the Chinese by flying over the South China Sea. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated, “The US military planes traveled thousands of miles to China’s doorstep to flex muscle… That is the source of maritime and air security risks, and is not conducive to regional peace and stability.”
The US military responded, stating that the B-52 was lawfully conducting routine operations prior to the intercept, but did not provide further details on the specific nature of the mission. The military did not address whether the bomber was part of a larger group of aircraft.
This is not the first incident of its kind. In May, a similar encounter occurred, prompting the Chinese government to dismiss American complaints and demand an end to US flights over the South China Sea.
China has been increasingly assertive in asserting its territorial claims over the majority of the South China Sea, despite opposition from the US and other nations that utilize the waters for shipping. These claims have resulted in long-standing territorial disputes with other countries in the region, turning the South China Sea into a hotbed of tensions.
Recently, a Chinese coast guard ship and an accompanying vessel rammed a Philippine coast guard ship and a military-run supply boat near a contested shoal in the waterway. US President Joe Biden responded by reaffirming the US commitment to defend the Philippines if attacked. In contrast, China argued that the US has no right to interfere in their disputes with Manila.
As part of their efforts to assert international freedom of navigation, the US and its allies conduct frequent maritime maneuvers and fly aircraft over the South China Sea. These actions aim to emphasize that both the waters and airspace in the region are open to international use.
While aerial intercepts are common, Tuesday’s incident was particularly dangerous and could have resulted in an escalation of tensions between China and the US. However, the US military stated that this incident will not affect its approach and that it will continue to operate safely and responsibly within international laws.
China also expressed no intention of backing down, with Mao stating that China will remain steadfast in defending its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
As both countries continue to compete for influence in the South China Sea, the risk of potential mishaps remains high, emphasizing the need for open lines of communication and efforts to de-escalate tensions.