In a concerning incident over the South China Sea, a Chinese fighter jet flew within ten feet of a US B-52 bomber, sparking anger among military officials. The US military reported that on Tuesday, a Chinese Shenyang J-11 rapidly approached the B-52 aircraft, engaging in risky maneuvers that put both planes in danger of collision.

According to the US Indo-Pacific Command, the Chinese fighter jet harassed the B-52 by flying at an uncontrolled excessive speed and maneuvering below, in front of, and within ten feet of the bomber. This alarming incident has raised concerns among US military officials about China's recent history of such provocations, which they claim jeopardize regional peace.

Expressing their apprehension, a military official stated, "We are concerned this pilot was unaware of how close he came to causing a collision." The US military warns that such actions pose a significant risk to the safety of both nations' aircraft and crew.

In response to the incident, the Chinese Communist Party responded with frustration, accusing the US of provocation through an excessive military presence in the area. Mao Ning, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, criticized the US for sending military planes thousands of miles to China's doorstep, stating that it poses security risks to maritime and air activities and does not contribute to regional peace and stability.

Both the US and China have stood firm in their positions and refused to back down. The US military reiterated its commitment to operate wherever international laws allow, emphasizing responsible behavior in their operations. China, on the other hand, emphasized its determination to maintain national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

As tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea, this incident underscores the escalating rivalry between the US and China in the region. Despite the verbal clashes and posturing between the two nations, it remains uncertain how this tense standoff will impact regional stability and the safety of airspace in the South China Sea.