The incident happened in international airspace on 17 May as the US maritime reconnaissance aircraft carried out a routine patrol in the area, it added.
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.
"Over the past year, DoD has seen improvements in PRC actions, flying in a safe and professional manner," the statement added, using the initials for People's Republic of China.
The South China Sea dispute
Washington has accused Beijing of militarising the South China Sea, which is also an important shipping route.
China in turn has criticised increased US naval patrols and exercises in Asia.
Source: BBC
No comments:
Post a Comment