USINDOPACOM has released the following video showing a Chinese J-16 conducting what they call an “unnecessarily aggressive maneuver” against a U.S. RC-135 RIVET JOINT in the Pacific.
USINDOPACOM has released this video showing what they call an unnecessarily risky and unprofessional maneuver from a Chinese J-16 or Su-35 on May 26, 2023 pic.twitter.com/yAvc0Jcqii
— Tessaron News (@TessaronF) May 30, 2023
The full statement reads below:
”A People’s Republic of China J-16 fighter pilot performed an unnecessarily aggressive maneuver during the intercept of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 aircraft, May 26, 2023. The PRC pilot flew directly in front of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the U.S. aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence. The RC-135 was conducting safe and routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace, in accordance with international law.
The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate – safely and responsibly – wherever international law allows, and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Joint Force will continue to fly in international airspace with due regard for the safety of all vessels and aircraft under international law. We expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific region to use international airspace safely and in accordance with international law.”
