Pentagon alarmed by China’s aggressive and risky military behavior surge.

The‌ Rise ⁣of ‍Risky‍ Maneuvers: Chinese Military Pilots Pose Increasing Threat to U.S. Aircraft

The​ number of⁢ risky or reckless maneuvers conducted by Chinese military pilots near U.S. aircraft in the Asia-Pacific over the last⁢ two years has dramatically increased, according to U.S. defense officials.

“Since the fall of 2021, we have seen more ⁣than 180 such incidents,” Ely Ratner, the assistant secretary of defense for ⁣Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, said on Tuesday. “More in​ the past two years than in the decade before that. That’s nearly 200 cases where [People’s Liberation Army] operators have performed reckless maneuvers, or discharged chaff or shot off flares or approach⁣ too rapidly or​ too‍ close to U.S. aircraft.”

The number of these incidents over the same period, when expanding the scope to⁤ include Chinese military risky behavior toward U.S’s allies aircraft ‍as well,⁢ increases to 300.

The Department of Defense released on Monday‌ a collection of videos and still images depicting 15 recent instances where⁢ Chinese pilots had conducted “coercive and risky” maneuvers that date back to⁢ January 2022. In some instances,⁣ the Chinese pilot can​ be seen coming within less than ​30 feet from the⁢ U.S. aircraft.

“The department‍ will continue to ‍raise ‍awareness about the ​dangers of the PLA as coercive and risky operational behavior,” ⁤Ratner added. “We will​ also⁣ continue to seek open lines of ⁢military-to-military communication with the PLA at multiple levels, including the senior most level, because we believe these‌ channels are crucial for preventing competition from inadvertently veering into conflict. Finally, the United States ‍will‍ not be deterred⁣ or coerced.”

Adm. John Aquilino, commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, said he’s “most concerned ⁣about the potential for accidents,” which “could lead to miscalculation.”

Ratner also noted that the Chinese ⁤military’s aggression also extends to the maritime domain in both the East China Sea and South China Sea.

The disclosure of these incidents comes ahead of the military’s release ⁤of its​ congressionally mandated 2023 “Report on Military and Security Developments‍ Involving the People’s Republic of China,” ⁢also known⁢ as the China Military ‍Power‍ Report.

Ratner said the report will describe the Chinese air force’s behavior as “a ‌centralized and concerted campaign,” and he added, “Let me say that again: a centralized and concerted campaign to perform these risky behaviors in order to coerce a change in lawful ​U.S. operational activity and that of U.S. allies and partners. We’ve ⁤also witnessed PLA pilots ⁢deliberately interfere with and create turbulence for ⁢us operators by flying in front of U.S. aircraft at close distances.”

China’s military has infrequently responded to U.S. requests⁣ for communications between senior leaders as the relationship between the two adversarial nations soured due to a variety of events, including the Chinese spy balloon that traversed the continental United States and former⁢ House Speaker ​Nancy ​Pelosi’s (D-CA) trip to Taiwan, which infuriated Beijing officials, last ​year.

“I’ve asked to speak with my‍ counterparts, the eastern and southern theater commanders now, going on two and a half years,”⁣ Aquilino said on⁣ Tuesday. “I have yet to have one of those requests accepted.”

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How can the international community ‍effectively address the increasingly risky behavior of Chinese​ military pilots near U.S.‌ aircraft?

Re crucial in reducing the risk of miscalculations and unintended escalations.”

The increasing number of risky maneuvers by Chinese military pilots poses a significant threat to U.S. aircraft and raises concerns about the potential for miscalculations or accidents that could escalate tensions between the two countries. ⁢These incidents not only endanger the lives of pilots ‍and crew members ⁣but also violate international ⁤norms and established rules‍ of engagement.

The‌ aggressive and provocative behavior of Chinese pilots is not ⁤only limited to interactions with U.S. aircraft but also extends to their⁤ actions towards the⁣ aircraft of U.S. allies in the region. This demonstrates a pattern of disregard for the safety and security​ of all aircraft ​operating⁣ in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Department of Defense’s release⁤ of videos and images showcasing these risky maneuvers is a clear indication of the​ seriousness with which the U.S.‌ government views this issue. By making these incidents public, the U.S. ​aims to raise awareness about the dangers posed by the⁣ People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and‍ to hold ⁢China accountable for ‌its reckless behavior.

Engaging ‌in reckless maneuvers, discharging chaff or shooting off flares, and approaching too‍ closely or rapidly to another aircraft are all activities that increase the risk of accidents and⁢ misunderstandings. Such behavior undermines the ⁢trust and cooperation that are crucial for maintaining stable ⁢relations‍ between countries and increases the potential for conflicts to escalate.

In response to⁤ these incidents, the U.S. is committed to ‍pursuing ​open lines of communication with the PLA, at ‍various levels, including the senior most level. ⁤The goal is ‌to establish⁣ better military-to-military communication channels that can help ⁤prevent miscommunications and ‍de-escalate tensions in case of encounters between Chinese and U.S. aircraft.

Efforts to address this⁢ issue ⁢should not ⁣be limited to bilateral discussions between the U.S. and ​China alone. It is essential for the international community ⁤to recognize the gravity ⁤of this situation and work together to address the increasingly risky behavior of Chinese military‍ pilots. This can include diplomatic pressure, joint military exercises, and the establishment of clear rules of engagement to mitigate the risks posed by such maneuvers.

In conclusion, the rise of risky maneuvers by Chinese military pilots near U.S. aircraft is ⁢a concerning trend ⁢that demands immediate attention. These incidents pose a threat to the safety and security of all parties involved and risk escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. It is crucial for the U.S. ‍and the international community to ⁢address‍ this ‌issue firmly and work towards establishing ‍safe and ⁢stable interactions between aircraft in the Asia-Pacific ⁤region.

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