A Chinese fighter jet conducted an "unsafe intercept" of a U.S. Air Force B-52 over the South China Sea earlier this week, the Pentagon said Thursday. Video footage released by the Defense Department showed the Chinese pilot, flying a Shenyang J-11, coming dangerously close to the B-52, approaching within just 10 feet. The Pentagon criticized the Chinese pilot for his "unsafe and unprofessional" behavior and accused him of demonstrating poor airmanship by closing in at excessive speed.

The incident took place during routine nighttime operations, which the B-52 was conducting when the Chinese fighter jet made its approach. The limited visibility further heightened concerns about the reckless actions of the Chinese pilot. The Pentagon stated that the intercept violated international air safety rules and norms, raising concerns about the potential for a collision and the need for China to adhere to proper protocols.

This episode is just one of many instances of aggressive behavior exhibited by China's military towards the U.S. and other nations since the fall of 2021. According to the Pentagon, there have been more than 180 similar interactions initiated by China's military during this period. In one particularly concerning incident on May 26 over the South China Sea, a Chinese J-16 fighter flew directly in front of a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft, the RC-135, coming within 400 feet. The RC-135 had to navigate through the wake turbulence of the J-16 to avoid a collision.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed his alarm at the series of actions taken by China, not only against the U.S. but also against other countries. These incidents have not been limited to the skies, as confrontations at sea have also occurred. In June, a Chinese navy ship crossed the path of a U.S. Navy missile destroyer in the Taiwan Strait, coming within 150 yards. These actions are part of China's wider territorial claims, with the country conducting drills in the Taiwan Strait and considering Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory.

The U.S. continues to raise concerns about these dangerous encounters and is urging China to adhere to international air safety rules and norms. The Pentagon's release of videos and descriptions of 15 recent incidents of coercive and risky behavior by China's People's Liberation Army serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. and other nations operating in the region. The safety and security of military operations remain a top priority as tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate.