Dramatic footage captured a Chinese jet fighter flying "provocatively" in front of a US Air Force aircraft over the South China Sea.
In an announcement, the US condemned China over what they said was an "unnecessarily aggressive" manoeuvre.
According to the announcement, on Friday, May 26, a People's Republic of China (PRC) J-16 fighter pilot executed a manoeuvre while intercepting a US Air Force RC-135 aircraft.
"The PRC pilot flew directly in front of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the U.S. aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence," the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said.
The Pentagon released dramatic footage of the interception shot from inside the US fighter jet.
The video titled 'Unprofessional Intercept', shows the Chinese J-16 manoeuvering in front of the pilots.
The US Indo-Pacific Joint Force emphasized that all vessels and aircraft must prioritize safety and respect for international law.
At the time, the US military said its RC-135 "was conducting safe and routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace, in accordance with international law."
The announcement continued: "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate – safely and responsibly – wherever international law allows, and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Joint Force will continue to fly in international airspace with due regard for the safety of all vessels and aircraft under international law.
"We expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific region to use international airspace safely and in accordance with international law."
Chinese authorities haven't responded as of yet or commented on the actions of their fighter pilot.
A similar incident occurred on December 30, when a Chinese fighter jet intercepted a US reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea, prompting the US aircraft to take evasive action.
The Chinese Navy J-11 fighter jet flew within 20 feet of the US Air Force's RC-135 Rivet Joint, a reconnaissance plane with around 30 people on board.
The incident occurred while the RC-135 was lawfully conducting routine operations in international airspace.
Video footage showed the Chinese jet flying close to the nose of the RC-135, requiring the US aircraft to manoeuvre to avoid a collision.
While most interactions between aircraft are safe and professional, incidents like this are addressed through diplomatic and military channels.
The US conducts regular operations, including freedom of navigation operations, in the South China Sea, which China claims as part of its territorial waters.
The US does not recognize China's claims and emphasizes its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, operating in accordance with international law.
