A Chinese J-10 fighter jet has intercepted a US plane flying over the East China Sea in an “unsafe manner,” US officials say.
The US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft was flying above the sea Tuesday, when it was approached by the jet with a “high rate of speed as it closed in” up to 100 feet (30 meter), unnamed military officials told CNN.
The US pilot’s reaction or how long the confrontation took place remained unclear.
Another “unsafe” intercept was reported in mid-May, when two Chinese J-11 tactical aircraft confronted a United States EP-3 reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea.
Tuesday’s intercept was reported as the annual US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue was closing in Beijing, with Secretary of State John Kerry and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew in the Chinese capital.
China has called on the US to stop close reconnaissance activities but tensions appear to be escalating between the two powers.
The US has been accused…