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| Chinese jets intercept US spy plane over South China Sea, Pentagon says | Chinese jets intercept US spy plane over South China Sea, Pentagon says |
| (about 11 hours later) | |
| Two Chinese fighters have carried out an "unsafe" intercept of a US military aircraft over the South China Sea, the Pentagon says. | Two Chinese fighters have carried out an "unsafe" intercept of a US military aircraft over the South China Sea, the Pentagon says. |
| The incident happened in international airspace on 17 May as the US maritime reconnaissance aircraft carried out a routine patrol in the area, it added. | The incident happened in international airspace on 17 May as the US maritime reconnaissance aircraft carried out a routine patrol in the area, it added. |
| However, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson denied any "dangerous manoeuvres from Chinese aircraft". | |
| Several nations claim territory in the resource-rich South China Sea. | Several nations claim territory in the resource-rich South China Sea. |
| Tensions in the region have increased recently, with China and the US trading accusations over military activity. | |
| The South China Sea dispute | The South China Sea dispute |
| 'Not true' | |
| A military official quoted by the Associated Press news agency said the US pilot was forced to descend about 200ft (60m) to avoid a collision. | |
| Later on Thursday, Hong Lei from the Chinese foreign ministry responded to the US allegations saying they were "not true". | |
| "The US plane flew close to Hainan Island. Two Chinese aircraft followed and monitored at a safe distance. There were no dangerous manoeuvres from the Chinese aircraft. Their actions were completely professional and safe." | |
| The US defence department said it was addressing the issue through military and diplomatic channels. | |
| "Over the past year, DoD has seen improvements in PRC actions, flying in a safe and professional manner," the statement added, using the initials for People's Republic of China. | |
| Washington has accused Beijing of militarising the South China Sea, which is also an important shipping route. | |
| China in turn has criticised increased US naval patrols and exercises in Asia. | China in turn has criticised increased US naval patrols and exercises in Asia. |
| What is the South China Sea dispute? | What is the South China Sea dispute? |
| Rival countries have wrangled over territory in the South China Sea for centuries, but tension has steadily increased in recent years. | Rival countries have wrangled over territory in the South China Sea for centuries, but tension has steadily increased in recent years. |
| Its islets and waters are claimed in part or in whole by Taiwan, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. | Its islets and waters are claimed in part or in whole by Taiwan, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. |
| China has backed its expansive claims with island-building and naval patrols, while the US says it opposes restrictions on freedom of navigation and unlawful sovereignty claims - by all sides. | China has backed its expansive claims with island-building and naval patrols, while the US says it opposes restrictions on freedom of navigation and unlawful sovereignty claims - by all sides. |
| The frictions have sparked concern that the area is becoming a flashpoint with possible global consequences. | The frictions have sparked concern that the area is becoming a flashpoint with possible global consequences. |