PROVOCATIVE

Chinese Jets Intercept U.S. Radiation-Sniffing Plane

U.S. military issues complaint over “unprofessional” maneuver.

Two Chinese SU-30 aircraft have intercepted U.S. radiation-sniffing planes in international airspace over the East China Sea, the U.S. military said Thursday. A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force called the interception “unprofessional” and said “the issue is being addressed with China through appropriate diplomatic and military channels,” Reuters reported. Spokeswoman Lt. Col. Lori Hodge said a military investigation has been opened into the incident, which occurred when the WC-135 Constant Phoenix aircraft was conducting a routine mission. The Chinese jets’ actions prompted concern, she said, “due to the maneuvers by the Chinese pilot, as well as the speeds and proximity of both aircraft.”