China rejects ‘groundless’ criticism of US jet encounter

The Chinese Defense Ministry on Saturday pushed back on the Pentagon’s assertion that a Chinese fighter jet conducted a dangerous intercept of a U.S. plane in international airspace on Tuesday.

According to Reuters, China called the U.S. characterization “completely groundless.” It said the Chinese pilot acted professionally in conducting a routine check. 

{mosads}The statement went on to accuse the United States of conducting short-range reconnaissance missions and called on it to stop, according to Reuters. 

The Pentagon said Friday it registered its strong concern with China after the Tuesday incident near Hainan island, which was described as inconsistent with international law.

The Defense Department has said the Chinese fighter jet made three passes at a U.S. Navy P-8 aircraft, coming within 30 feet of it at one point. 

“The only place I know where 20 feet between wingtips is considered a safe distance is a Blue Angels show,” a senior administration official told The Wall Street Journal in response on Saturday.