(USNewsBreak.com) – Over the past several months, China has become increasingly aggressive in its military actions. It has enhanced its patrols over Taiwan, especially in light of the United States’ commitment to maintaining an unofficial relationship with the island. Its latest action, however, could’ve ended badly for both China and the US.
A Daring Move?
According to a statement by the Indo-Pacific Command, a Chinese fighter jet made an “unsafe maneuver” when it intercepted a US Air Force RC-135 aircraft on December 21. It reportedly flew in front of the RC-135’s nose and within 20 feet of the aircraft, which led to the US pilot having to take evasive action to avoid a crash. The Indo-Pacific Command released a video of the encounter, showing the Air Force pilot decreasing their altitude to avoid colliding with the jet.
Video released by the US Indo-Pacific Command shows a Chinese jet flying next to a US plane.
The US armed forces say the Chinese jet performed an 'unsafe manoeuvre' forcing the US aircraft to take 'evasive manoeuvres'.https://t.co/mZeFbm2fmP pic.twitter.com/vPIMYnmq2o
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 30, 2022
This is not the first time China has been accused of dangerously intercepting foreign military planes. For instance, Canada accused the country of interfering with its planes when it conducted sanctions evasion patrols on North Korea in April and May of last year, according to Al Jazeera.
There have also been several concerning incidents between ships in the South China Sea over the last few years. Back in 2018, a Chinese warship reportedly ventured close to a US Navy Ship, sparking backlash. The Philippines also condemned a “dangerous maneuver” by China in waters it claimed were within its own territory.
The South China Sea Debate
Many countries, including the United States, use the South China Sea to conduct freedom of navigation operations in the area.
China is insistent that it owns most of the South China Sea, and foreign nations have no business carrying out intelligence operations in its economic zone. In this area, a sovereign nation holds exclusive rights. However, the US — and other foreign countries — deny that China has any right over the area, per the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea.
These denials haven’t prevented the Asian nation from proceeding with its agenda, including creating a military presence and building artificial islands.
Building Up Its Military
China’s President Xi Jinping has been building up the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as a world power. To this effect, the nation’s military has been working with Russia in joint exercises. It has also been increasing its aggression towards Taiwan, which it still claims ownership over despite the island maintaining that it’s a free country. With the activity continuing in December 2022, it’s unclear what 2023 will bring for the relationships between China and other foreign powers.
The US, Canada, and Australia have attempted to handle the matters diplomatically.
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