China intercepted US military aircraft 180 times in 2 years, says Pentagon.
Communist China Increases Hostile Intercepts of U.S. Aircraft by Over Five Times in Two Years
The Pentagon has reported that Communist China has significantly ramped up its hostile intercepts of U.S. aircraft in the past two years, surpassing the total number of intercepts in the previous decade combined.
Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner revealed that the Chinese Communist Party’s military wing has aggressively intercepted more than 180 U.S. aircraft during this period, posing a risk of open conflict between the two largest economies in the world.
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During an October 17 press briefing, Mr. Ratner expressed concerns that China’s “coercive and risky operational behavior” in the Indo-Pacific could lead to accidents and inadvertent conflict. He emphasized that if intercepts of U.S. allies and partners were included, the number of incidents initiated by the CCP would exceed 300 in the past two years.
Mr. Ratner further stated that the Chinese regime’s “unsafe and unprofessional” conduct poses a threat to a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” The United States remains committed to maintaining its lawful military presence in the region, which predates the existence of the CCP by almost a century.
“The United States will not be deterred or coerced,” affirmed Mr. Ratner.
CCP Risking War
The Pentagon has warned that Beijing’s campaign of military coercion is part of a broader effort to undermine the rules-based international order.
In recent years, the international community has grown increasingly concerned about CCP aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Chinese fighter pilots have engaged in aggressive tactics to force allied aircraft out of the sky, even resorting to launching metal shards into their engines.
Complicating matters, the CCP, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, has cut off all commander-to-commander communications with the U.S. military in the region.
Admiral John Aquilino revealed that despite numerous requests for communication, none have been accepted by his Chinese counterparts during his tenure as commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
The severing of regional communications with the CCP occurred even before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, as confirmed by Admiral Aquilino. This combination of CCP aggression and communication blackout increases the likelihood of open conflict between the United States and China.
Admiral Aquilino expressed his primary concerns about potential accidents in the region, stating that it has become more dangerous. He emphasized his two key missions in the Indo-Pacific: deterring a war with China and maintaining peace.
If the first mission fails, he asserted, “be prepared to fight and win.” However, he reassured that his forces are ready to fight and win today.
How does China’s increased number of intercepts by its military raise concerns about regional stability in the Indo-Pacific?
Indo-Pacific” and undermines regional stability. He called on China to abide by international norms and prevent any potential escalation of conflicts.
The increased number of intercepts by China’s military wing raises concerns about the intentions and motivations of the Chinese Communist Party. Some experts argue that these actions are part of China’s broader strategy to assert dominance and challenge the United States’ position as a global superpower.
This aggressive behavior is not limited to intercepting U.S. aircraft. China has also been involved in territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where it has built artificial islands and claimed sovereignty over vast areas of the region. These actions have escalated tensions with neighboring countries, such as Vietnam and the Philippines.
It is crucial for the United States and its allies to respond to China’s hostile intercepts and other provocative actions effectively. The Biden administration has already taken steps to address this issue by increasing military presence in the Indo-Pacific and strengthening alliances with regional partners.
Furthermore, the United States and its allies must continue to promote international norms and uphold freedom of navigation in the region. It is essential to establish clear rules and boundaries to prevent any miscalculations or accidental conflicts.
China’s increased intercepts of U.S. aircraft underscore the need for a comprehensive and nuanced approach to managing the complex relationship between the two countries. While competition is inevitable, it is essential to avoid a military confrontation and instead seek peaceful and constructive engagement.
The international community should also play a role in addressing China’s aggressive behavior. Diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions can be effective tools in urging China to adhere to international norms and ensure regional stability.
Overall, the significant increase in China’s hostile intercepts of U.S. aircraft in the past two years raises serious concerns about the potential for open conflict between the two largest economies in the world. It is crucial for the United States and its allies to respond with a firm and measured approach that prioritizes peace, stability, and the preservation of international norms.
By doing so, the world can work towards a future where competition between nations does not escalate into a dangerous and destructive conflict, but rather fosters cooperation, mutual understanding, and progress.
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