US Department of Defense has declassified images and videos depicting a surge in what they describe as “coercive and risky” intercepts of American military aircraft by Chinese jets over the past two year
US Department of Defense Reveals Visual Evidence of Escalating Chinese Air Intercepts, Raising Concerns (Photo: Politico)
Aggressive Encounter Sparks International Diplomatic Tensions
According to the report featured by Global News, in October 17, 2023, Ely Ratner, assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, disclosed that over 180 intercepts by Chinese aircraft targeting US military in US Department of Defense planes have occurred in this period, surpassing the figures from the entire previous decade. The gravity of the situation is underscored by Ratner’s assertion that when accounting for similar intercepts against other states, the number rises to nearly 300 incidents involving US, ally, and partner aircraft. Such provocative actions, characterized by reckless maneuvers and dangerous behavior, are deemed not only a threat to safety but also as potential catalysts for inadvertent conflicts.
The release of declassified materials by the US Department of Defense Pentagon coincides with a recent incident where a Chinese military jet intercepted a Canadian Armed Forces Aurora aircraft in what the Canadian military described as an “aggressive manner.” The intercept occurred during Operation NEON, Canada’s contribution to enforcing sanctions against North Korea, and was reported by Global News, which was on board the Canadian military aircraft during the mission.
Despite most intercepts being labeled as professional by US Department of Defense, the last Chinese jet, armed with air-to-air missiles, engaged in aggressive maneuvers, raising concerns about the potential for dangerous accidents. The incident has led to heightened diplomatic tensions, with China urging Canada to refrain from “adventurist or provocative moves” and emphasizing its opposition to actions jeopardizing its national sovereignty and security.
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NEON Mission’s Unintended Confrontation Raises Safety and Diplomatic Concerns
According to the news reported by the Stars and Stripes, during the interception incident, the Chinese jets, some armed with air-to-air missiles, approached within about five meters of the Canadian plane, engaging in concerning maneuvers for multiple hours. The crew, on a mission to stop illegal oil shipments to North Korea, identified a “vessel of interest” during the operation. The provocative actions, including the launch of firework-like flares near the Canadian aircraft, occurred following a communications glitch with their base involving g the US Department of Defense.
While the Canadian military emphasizes their role in enforcing UN resolutions and avoiding conflicts, Beijing perceives the incident differently, urging restraint from Canada. The clash highlights the delicate balance between US Department of Defense military operations and diplomatic repercussions, with the potential for unintended consequences in the volatile arena of international relations.
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