Pentagon declassifies 200 US-China warplane intercepts, raises alarm.
Pentagon Warns of Potential Conflict with China over Reckless Air Maneuvers
The Pentagon officials have issued a stark warning that inadvertent conflict with China could erupt, following the release of declassified pictures and videos showing Chinese aircraft engaging in “highly concerning behavior” towards U.S. military planes in international airspace.
Dr. Ely Ratner, assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, revealed that there have been over 180 incidents in the East and South China Sea region since 2021, indicating a significant increase in coercive and risky operational behavior over the past decade.
“That’s nearly 200 cases where [People’s Liberation Army] operators have performed reckless maneuvers or discharged chaff or shot off flares or approached too rapidly or too close to U.S. aircraft,” Ratner stated. “All as part of trying to interfere with the ability of U.S. forces to operate safely in places where we and every country in the world have every right to be under international law.”
The U.S. has a long history of operating in the region, but reports suggest that Chinese forces have previously employed such tactics to harass and provoke U.S. aircraft and its allies in international airspace. The declassified documents reportedly captured tense moments between U.S. and Chinese aircraft.
The Pentagon has released video footage showing American aircraft being intercepted by Chinese planes.
Watch more videos: https://t.co/8xyWy2cBPY pic.twitter.com/ntVdBYBBFc
— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 18, 2023
Earlier this year, Ratner recounted an incident where a Chinese fighter jet, “clearly armed,” approached an American aircraft flying over the South China Sea at a speed of “hundreds of miles per hour” from a mere 30 feet away, lingering dangerously close for approximately 15 minutes.
The Pentagon also reported other occurrences, including a Chinese fighter jet flying just 10 feet below a U.S. aircraft in the East China Sea and another fighter jet intimidating an American plane by displaying weapons from approximately 40 feet away in the South China Sea. In response, the Chinese pilot directed an expletive towards the U.S. pilot, who attempted to establish contact.
Ratner emphasized that these behaviors exemplify a “centralized and concerted campaign” by China to coerce a change in lawful U.S. operational activity, as well as that of U.S. allies and partners. Admiral John C. Aquilino, commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, expressed concern about the potential for accidents and miscalculations arising from such incidents.
“We must prevent these from happening in the theater,” Aquilino stressed.
Pentagon officials assert that China’s intercepts are part of a broader effort to undermine international order through naval and land maneuvers around foreign military equipment in the region.
“We’re seeing it against allies and partners,” Ratner added. “Not just the United States. We’re seeing it on land against our Indian partners. So this is part of a much broader picture.”
This news conference follows months of warnings from the White House regarding Chinese military aggressiveness. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby previously stated in June that it “won’t be long before somebody gets hurt.”
What are the potential consequences of tensions between the US and China escalating into a military confrontation?
Om/ntVdBYBBFc
— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 17, 2022
The release of these images and videos by the Pentagon is seen as an effort to raise awareness of the dangerous escalation of Chinese military activities in the region. The Pentagon hopes that by making these incidents public, it will rally support from the international community to address China’s increasingly risky behavior.
The concern over potential conflict with China is not unfounded. As tensions between the U.S. and China continue to rise, incidents like these can easily escalate into a full-blown military confrontation. The East and South China Sea region is already a hotbed of territorial disputes, with multiple countries claiming ownership over various islands and reefs.
China, in particular, has been asserting its territorial claims aggressively in recent years, often using military force and assertive behavior to enforce its position. The U.S. has repeatedly called for countries to respect international norms and avoid unilateral actions that undermine regional stability.
However, despite these calls for restraint, China’s actions have only become more brazen. The incidents of reckless air maneuvers and provocative behavior towards U.S. military planes are a clear violation of international law and endanger the safety of not only American forces but also the forces of other countries operating in the region.
The Pentagon’s warning is a reminder that the U.S. will not tolerate such behavior and is prepared to defend its interests and those of its allies. The release of the declassified images is a strategic move aimed at putting pressure on China and rallying international support for a unified response to its aggressive actions.
It is crucial for the international community to take these warnings seriously and work towards deescalating tensions in the region. The potential for conflict with China is a threat that must be addressed through diplomatic means, with an emphasis on upholding international law and ensuring the safety and security of all nations operating in the East and South China Sea region.
The U.S., as a major global power, has a responsibility to lead efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region. The international community must stand united against any attempts to disrupt the established order and resolve territorial disputes through peaceful negotiations.
Ultimately, the goal should be to find a peaceful resolution to these disputes that respects the rights and interests of all parties involved. The potential for conflict with China is a grave concern that requires immediate attention and concerted efforts to prevent a dangerous escalation that could have far-reaching consequences for regional and global security.
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