U.S. military officials have revealed that a Chinese Shenyang J-11 fighter jet flew within 10 feet of a U.S. B-52 bomber, reportedly coming in at “uncontrolled excessive speed, flying below, in front of, and within 10 feet of the B-52, putting both aircraft in danger of a collision.”
“We are concerned this pilot was unaware of how close he came to causing a collision,” an American official stated.
The close call took place over the South China Sea, an area that China has historically controlled, and held at high value.
Chinese fighter jet comes within 10 feet of US B-52 bomber over South China Sea.
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The Chinese Communist Party blamed the near-collision on the United States, and its heavy air presence in the area.
“The U.S. military planes traveled thousands of miles to China’s doorstep to flex muscle,” claimed the Foreign Ministry’s Mao Ning.
“That is the source of maritime and air security risks, and is not conducive to regional peace and stability,” she added.
“The U.S. will continue to fly, sail and operate — safely and responsibly — wherever international laws allow,” the US military responded.
“China will continue to take resolute measures to maintain its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” Mao stated.
