Pentagon Says Chinese Jets Intercept US Spy Plane

US maritime reconnaissance aircraft carried out a routine patrol in international airspace over South China Sea on 17 May 2016.

Two Chinese fighters have carried out an “unsafe” intercept of a US military aircraft over the South China Sea, the Pentagon said.

Tensions in the region have increased recently, with China and the US trading accusations over military activity.

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.