The South China Sea has become a focal point of geopolitical tension between the United States and China. Recently, a routine US Navy patrol in these contested waters took an alarming turn when Chinese spy jets conducted a dangerously close intercept. This incident represents the latest chapter in a long-running exchange of military encounters that threaten to escalate into open conflict.

In early 2024, a US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft was conducting a standard reconnaissance mission over the South China Sea. The Poseidon, a modified Boeing 737 equipped with advanced surveillance technology, serves as a crucial asset for gathering intelligence on Chinese military activities and ensuring freedom of navigation in international waters.

As the Poseidon cruised at 28,000 feet, its crew detected the rapid approach of two Chinese J-11 fighter jets. Known for their agility and speed, the J-11s closed in on the larger, slower American aircraft with alarming velocity. Within minutes, the Chinese fighters were flying dangerously close to the Poseidon, at times coming within 20 feet of its wingtips.