Seoul: The sudden standoff between American and Chinese fighter jets over the Yellow Sea near South Korea has created a stir at the global level. According to media reports, about 10 American F-16 fighter planes took off simultaneously from Osan Airbase in South Korea. As soon as these aircraft reached near the air defense zone, China immediately sent its fighter jets into the air for its safety. Although there was no firing or direct physical confrontation during this period, the pilots of both the countries came very close to each other. South Korean media has called it a serious ‘aerial stand-off’. This incident has made it clear that the tug of war between the two superpowers in the Asia-Pacific region has now reached a dangerous point.

What was the purpose of the 10 American planes that flew from Osan airbase?

F-16 planes of the US Air Force took off from Osan airbase in Pyongtaek, about 60 kilometers from Seoul. It is being told that this was a well-planned drill, the plan of which had already been shared. These aircraft were flying in the area between the Air Defense Identification Zone of South Korea and China. Although American planes did not enter China’s airspace, China considered it a threat to its security. China’s state media ‘Global Times’ has claimed that its army completely monitored American activities and responded according to the law.

Did South Korea have no knowledge of this secret mission?

The most shocking thing in this entire incident is that the South Korean army was not a part of this drill. According to reports, the US Army (USFK) had informed South Korea about the exercise, but did not share the operational plan or its real objective. South Korea’s Defense Ministry has clarified that they did not know anything in advance about the details of the flight. This situation is quite strange because usually both the countries do such exercises together. This indicates that America is now planning to handle some missions alone.

Why is China upset with Trump’s new defense policy?

This incident has happened at a time when the Donald Trump administration in America is pressurizing South Korea to take responsibility for its own defense. In the National Defense Strategy released last month, Washington had indicated that now South Korea will have to take ‘primary’ responsibility against North Korea. America now wants to limit itself to providing critical support only. China fears that America’s changed policy and such sudden military drills may further increase tension in its area.