Washington/Beijing — Two Chinese SU-30 aircraft carried out what the US military described as an "unprofessional" intercept of a US aircraft designed to detect radiation while it was flying in international airspace over the East China Sea. "The issue is being addressed with China through appropriate diplomatic and military channels," said US Air Force spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Lori Hodge. Hodge said the US characterisation of the incident was based on initial reports from the aircrew aboard the WC-135 Constant Phoenix aircraft "due to the manoeuvres by the Chinese pilot, as well as the speeds and proximity of both aircraft". "Distances always have a bearing on how we characterise interactions," Hodge said, adding a US military investigation into the intercept is underway. She said the WC-135 was carrying out a routine mission at the time and was operating in accordance with international law. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying declined to comment on the specific...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.