Washington (May 27, 2017): Two Chinese J-10 fighter jets intercepted a US Navy surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea on Wednesday.
US officials said that the P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft was 150 miles in southwest of Hong Kong in international airspace when the Chinese plane flew about 200 yards in front of the US plane, restriction its ability to fly.
US Navy commander Gary Ross confirmed that the Chinese jet’s actions qualified as “unsafe and unprofessional” but noted that the US continues to review the facts of the incident and will convey its concerns through “appropriate channels” with the Chinese government.
Ross said in a statement “US forces operate in the Asia-Pacific region on a daily basis, including in the South China Sea.” He continued that all operations were conducted in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows.
The US crew aboard the US Air Force WC-135 also characterized the move as “unprofessional,” according to the statement from Air Force Lt. Col. Hodge at the time.
“While we are still investigating the incident, initial reports from the US aircrew characterized the intercept as unprofessional. The issue is being addressed with China through appropriate diplomatic and military channels,” Hodge added.
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