China's J-16 fighter jet performs an aggressive manoeuvre in front of the US Air Force's RC-135, causing the American aircraft to hit turbulence
A J-16 fighter jet of the People's Liberation Army of China made a dangerous manoeuvre right in front of the nose of a US RC-135 Rivet Joint. This was reported by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command on May 30, four days after the incident.
Here's What We Know
INDOPACOM said in a statement that a Chinese fighter jet intercepted a US aircraft in international airspace. The video showed the J-16 performing an aggressive manoeuvre, causing the RC-135 to hit turbulence.
#USINDOPACOM Statement on #PRC Unprofessional Intercept: "We expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific region to use international airspace safely and in accordance with international law."
- U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) May 30, 2023
Readmore⬇️https://t.co/jeAEg1lHXz pic.twitter.com/AvPKRZHCZB
The command says the US will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows. INDOPACOM expects all countries in the region to use international airspace safely and in accordance with international law.
To add, the RC-135 Rivet Joint got into a similar situation late last year. On December 21, a Chinese J-11 fighter jet flew within 6 metres of a US plane, before positioning itself 12 metres from its nose.
Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine
