A tense situation unfolded over the South China Sea on Tuesday as a Chinese fighter pilot came perilously close to colliding with an American B-52 bomber, according to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The incident highlighted the continued concerns over unsafe and provocative behavior exhibited by Chinese military aircraft.

Officials from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command revealed that the Chinese pilot displayed recklessness and poor airmanship during the nighttime intercept. Flying a J-11 jet, the pilot approached the American B-52 bomber at a mere 10 feet, at an uncontrolled excessive speed that posed a serious risk to both aircraft. Startling footage, released by the U.S. on Thursday, showcased the alarming proximity reached by the Chinese jet.

In a news release issued by the Indo-Pacific Command, the intercept was described as a violation of international air safety rules and norms. Authorities expressed concern that the Chinese pilot may not have been fully aware of the potential collision his actions could have caused. The reckless incident has raised further questions about the training and conduct of Chinese military pilots.

This near collision on Tuesday marks just one incident in a series of over 180 unsafe and unprofessional actions by Chinese military aircraft since the fall of 2021, as reported by the Indo-Pacific Command. This ongoing trend is seen as a deliberate attempt to hinder the safe operations of the United States and other nations in the region.

Recently, the Pentagon released videos and descriptions of 15 instances of what it deemed coercive and risky behavior by China's People's Liberation Army against U.S. aircraft. However, none of those cases involved a Chinese fighter jet harassing an American bomber. This latest close encounter adds a new level of concern to the list of worrisome actions displayed by the Chinese military towards the United States.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing tensions between China and the United States in the disputed South China Sea. The U.S. has consistently expressed its commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and stressed the importance of adhering to international aviation standards.

As both nations navigate complex geopolitical waters, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to prevent more serious mishaps in the highly contested region. Urgent steps must be taken to address the repeated acts of aggression and ensure the safety and security of all parties involved.