Chinese jets intercept US radiation-sniffing plane, US Air Force terms it 'unprofessional'

Two Chinese SU-30 aircraft carried out what the U.S. military described on Thursday as an "unprofessional" intercept of a U.S. aircraft designed to detect radiation while it was flying in international airspace over the East China Sea.

"The issue is being addressed with China through appropriate diplomatic and military channels," said Air Force spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Lori Hodge.

 U.S. Air Force WC-135W Constant Phoenix aircraft during flight - PTI

Hodge said the U.S. characterization of the incident was based on initial reports from the U.S. aircrew aboard the WC-135 Constant Phoenix aircraft "due to the maneuvers by the Chinese pilot, as well as the speeds and proximity of both aircraft."

Lieutenant Colonel Lori Hodge, Air Force spokeswoman

Distances always have a bearing on how we characterize interactions,"

Hodge added that a U.S. military investigation into the intercept was underway.

She said the WC-135 was carrying out a routine mission at the time and was operating in accordance with international law.

China is deeply suspicious of any U.S. military activity in the resource-rich South China Sea.