Chinese jet performs 'aggressive maneuver' in front of US aircraft over South China Sea

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - A Chinese J-16 fighter jet performed an "unnecessarily aggressive maneuver" during the intercept of a US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance plane over the South China Sea last week, the US Indo-Pacific Command said Tuesday.

The incident took place on Friday, said the command in a statement.

"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 RC-135 was conducting safe and routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace, in accordance with international law," said the statement.

The command said the US will "continue to fly, sail and operate – safely and responsibly – wherever international law allows."

"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," it added.