China's provocations. USA lays the cards on the table

"The USA accuses China of conducting a centralized, coordinated campaign to harass aircraft," writes the US Department of Defense. At the same time, officials from Washington have published pictures showing dangerous behavior by Chinese pilots near American aircraft.

- Defense Department officials believe that the dangerous interception of American and allied aircraft in international airspace constitutes a "centralized and coordinated campaign" conducted by Chinese officials, aimed at "forcing a change in the legal operational activities of the US" - said US Defense Department official Ely Ratner, Deputy Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific affairs.

These words were spoken during the visit of Ratner and Navy Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command in the Pentagon.

Chinese interceptions are not limited to the sky in international airspace. Ratner said that this is only a "part of a broader pattern of behavior of the People's Liberation Army throughout the region".

The situation is not just about airplanes. Similar actions are being taken by the Chinese at sea. Chinese vessels are harassing American and allied warships in the waters of the East China Sea and the South China Sea. - "We see this on land in clashes with our Indian partners," said Ratner. - "It's part of a much broader picture," he added.

- Since fall 2021, we have observed over 180 such incidents: more in the last two years than in the previous decade - he added. - There are almost 200 cases in which Chinese pilots performed reckless maneuvers, launched flares, or approached too quickly, or too closely to American aircraft - he summarized.