The Epoch Times’ investigative reporter Nan Su discusses the actions, and whether anything should be done.
The situation between the United States and China has already reached a critical level beforehand, but some new military moves may leave some wondering what’s going on.
Over the weekend, a Chinese warship became dangerously close to a U.S. warship, in a maneuver that the military are deeming “an unsafe maritime interaction.” It crossed the ship’s bow at a distance of just 150 yards, forcing the U.S. ship to avoid it with evasive maneuvers. What’s worse, it then took a second pass, right in front of the American warship’s bow at 2,000 yards.
“The LY 132’s closest point of approach was 150 yards and its actions violated the maritime ‘Rules of the Road’ of safe passage in international waters,” the Indo-Pacific Command noted in a statement.
This marks the second incident in two weeks in which Chinese and American military came close to clashing. Back in late May, a Chinese fighter jet came across the path of a plane doing reconnaissance for the United States, leaving a wake that it had to fly through.
A senior U.S. defense official spoke on the matter, believing that the harassment might be getting too close for comfort. “We don’t believe it’s done by pilots operating independently,” the official told a small group of reporters. “We believe it’s part of a wider pattern we see in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and elsewhere.”
China has not had any response to the matter, but is it something that should be of concern – especially with some believing that the two countries could go to war sooner rather than later?
Joining us now to discuss the matter further is Nan Su, an investigative reporter for the Epoch Times. His expertise in all things China should be helpful in this matter.
Q&A:
- What is the big takeaway from these two military incidents? Could China be pushing its military muscle in the face of the United States as a move of confidence? Or perhaps even arrogance?
- What’s more concerning – the incident with the jet crossing the path of the reconnaissance plane, or the close call with the American Warship?
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked to meet with China Defense Minister Li Shangfu, but was denied. Why do you think that is? Are Chinese officials afraid of what would come out during the meeting?
- Could we see even more of these types of encounters in the weeks ahead? At what point could China potentially attack someone in Taiwanese waters? Or could the U.S. strike first depending on the situation?
- Do you believe that China and the United States could potentially end up in some kind of World War? How would the situation play out with some of its allies, such as Russia and Saudi Arabia?
- Speaking of what’s going on with China, you recently contributed to a new Epoch Times documentary called The Final War. Tell us more about it and why it’s such a compelling subject with everything that’s happening right now.
- Where can we learn more about you and see your work over on The Epoch Times?
You can visit our official website at http://www.theepochtimes.com. There are also various documentaries available over on Epoch TV.
About Nan Su:
Nan Su is a senior investigative reporter for the Epoch Times, with an eye and focus on Chinese politics and government deception. Nan is highly knowledgeable in a variety of subjects, including the Coronavirus and all things happening overseas. His reports have run on The Epoch Times for some time now and gained a following based on his expertise in delivering thorough results.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
