Chinese Fighter Jet Comes Dangerously Close to US B-52 Bomber in the South China Sea
In a concerning incident, a Chinese fighter jet flew within 10 feet of a US Air Force B-52 bomber while it was flying over the South China Sea on Tuesday. The US military has labeled the pilot’s behavior as “unsafe and unprofessional,” stating that it put both aircraft at risk of collision.
According to a statement issued by the US Indo-Pacific Command on Thursday, the Chinese pilot displayed “poor airmanship” by approaching the B-52 from below, in front of, and within close proximity. The Command expressed concerns about the pilot’s lack of awareness regarding the potential collision.
This incident comes amid President Joe Biden’s expected meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the White House on Friday. The purpose and nature of the meeting are yet to be confirmed, but it is anticipated to address the escalating tensions between the two countries.
Furthermore, President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping may have an opportunity to meet during the APEC Summit in San Francisco next month, although no final plans have been confirmed.
The US and China have released footage accusing each other of provocative maneuvers in and around the South China Sea, further increasing tensions in the disputed region. China’s Defense Ministry released a video claiming that the USS Ralph Johnson engaged in close-in harassment against a Chinese navy task group during routine training in the South China Sea on August 19. In response, China’s Defense Ministry spokesperson criticized the US actions, accusing them of endangering national security.
This recent incident follows a trend highlighted by Ely Ratner, the Pentagon’s top official in charge of security in the Indo-Pacific, who stated that there has been an increase in “coercive and risky” behavior by Chinese pilots towards US aircraft in the East and South China Seas over the past two years. Ratner called it a campaign to coerce changes in US operational activity and expressed concerns about the lack of military-to-military dialogue between the US and China.
The Chinese military’s actions towards Taiwan have also intensified, including ballistic missile overflights, military aircraft incursions into Taiwan’s airspace, and major exercises near the island. While Chinese President Xi Jinping claims to seek peaceful unification with Taiwan, he has not ruled out the use of military force.
As the US identifies China as its “pacing challenge” in terms of military might, economic power, and international reach, the situation in the South China Sea remains a contentious issue. China asserts its “indisputable sovereignty” over the majority of the South China Sea and utilizes its military capabilities to assert dominance in the disputed waters.
The lack of communication between the US and Chinese military leadership continues to be a source of concern for US officials. Efforts by the Pentagon to engage with Chinese military leadership have gone unanswered, primarily due to China’s decision to cut off communications after a visit to Taiwan by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
This story is developing, with both nations closely monitoring the situation and its implications for their respective national security interests.
Contributor: Kathleen Magramo, CNN.