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 May 17 as the US maritime reconnaissance aircraft carried out a routine patrol in the area, it added.
Several nations claim territory in the resource-rich South China Sea.
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.
The 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, reports the BBC.
China in turn has criticised increased US naval patrols and exercises in Asia.
