China says interception of US jet by its fighters ‘safe’

Beijing, May 28: China on Sunday denied the Pentagon’s charge that an encounter between Chinese fighters and a US surveillance plane over the South China Sea was “unsafe and unprofessional”.

Tensions between the two economic superpowers have risen in recent years over the disputed waterway, which China claims almost in full despite counterclaims from other Asian nations. Chinese J-10 warplanes intercepted a US Navy P-3 that was operating in international airspace on Wednesday, according to Pentagon spokesman Commander Gary Ross.

The US deemed the move “unsafe and unprofessional” and pledged to convey its concerns to the Chinese government. But the Chinese defence ministry on Sunday said the Pentagon’s account of the incident “was not in accordance with the facts”.

“The Chinese military aircraft carried out identification in accordance with law. The operations were professional and safe.”

Beijing also accused Washington of trespassing last week after it sailed a warship near a reef claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea — the “first freedom of navigation” exercise under US President Donald Trump. These actions “infringed on our sovereignty and security, endangering the safety of front-line personnel of both sides,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

Beijing also accused Washington of trespassing last week after it sailed a warship near a reef claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea