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
Beijing (AFP) – 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 counter-claims from other Asian nations.
Chinese J-10 warplanes intercepted a US Navy P-3 that was operating in international airspace 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 ».
