Moment Chinese fighter jet nearly smashes into US surveillance plane in ‘aggressive’ manoeuvre over South China Sea
THIS is the moment a Chinese fighter jet nearly smashed into a US surveillance plane over the South China Sea.
The close encounter was labelled “unnecessarily aggressive” by the Pentagon, who slammed its Pacific rivals for the dangerous manoeuvre.
According to the US command for the Indo-Pacific, a Chinese J-16 aircraft flew in front of the US RC-135 plane and forced it to fly through its turbulence.
Footage recorded from the American’s cockpit showed the terrifying incident that happened last week.
The Chinese warplane was seen rocketing past the RC-135, leaving a trail of tremors in its wake.
The US airforce crew then appeared to steady themselves, as their plane shook uncontrollably.
The J-16 then disappears into international air space.
While no one was injured, US Airforce chiefs lambasted China over its actions.
The US command said: “The PRC pilot flew directly in front of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the US aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence.
“The RC-135 was conducting safe and routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace, in accordance with international law.
“The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate – safely and responsibly – wherever international law allows.
“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.”
It comes as tensions continue to flare between Beijing and Washington.
In April, China warned its “carrier killer” missiles would strike down US forces before they could come to the aid of Taiwan.
Its forces have conducted huge military drills around the self-governing island it regards as its territory, once again raising fears of nuclear war with the US.
Later that month, an aircraft carrier and four warships came dangerously close to Guam as the strike force sailed near the US territory in a drill encircling Taiwan.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s naval flotilla was spotted by Japanese forces as the fleet came within 400 miles of the Western Pacific nation on April 18.
The brazen acts have prompted US forces to counterbalance by parading their naval might in the same waters.
The hostility has only thwarted peace meetings between each parties’ defence chiefs.
On Monday, China declined a request from the US for a meeting at the annual security forum in Singapore this weekend.
China’s foreign ministry claimed Washington was “well aware” of the reasons behind the lack of military communication.
Mao Ning, a foreign ministry spokesman, said: “The US side should… immediately correct its wrong practices, show sincerity and create the necessary atmosphere and conditions for dialogue and communication between the two militaries.”