Tactics used

Contrary to common understanding, air intercepts aren’t rare; nor are they prohibited. Military aircraft intercept for many reasons, including to identify, verify or escort another country’s aircraft.

Aircraft flying in international airspace are obligated to operate with due regard for freedoms afforded to all states by international law (such as freedom of overflight, as outlined in UNCLOS). Beyond that requirement, there are no established international laws regarding aerial encounters. However, there are norms and standards that help to ensure safety.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialised agency of the UN, was established in 1947 for that specific reason. With a membership of 190 of the 193 UN member nations (including the PRC), the ICAO codifies principles of international air navigation and establishes standards and recommended practices.

Military aircraft that encounter each other should operate according to ICAO guidance. Safe intercepts are typically characterised by controlled closure rates and predictable behaviour. Professionalism is characterised by proper airmanship and non-provoking manoeuvres, without any overtly aggressive actions, words or gestures.

China’s air tactics

As outlined on this website, the PLA employs a variety of risky and dangerous tactics to try to deter others from operating in areas of the South China Sea and East China Sea.

Release of flares

Typically used to avoid targeting and detection, flare release is increasingly used by the PLA as a tactic to intimidate.

Release of chaff

Typically used as a defensive measure; the PLA Air Force has released chaff in front of foreign planes, risking serious damage when the chaff is ingested into engines.

Thumping

The Chinese military has positioned aircraft so the target is caught in the planes’ jetwash, which causes dangerous turbulence.

Closure rates

Chinese fighters have approached other aircraft at extremely high and dangerous speeds.

Proximity

Chinese fighters have positioned themselves at extremely close and dangerous distances, as little as two metres from other aircraft.

China’s tactics at sea

Several of China’s unsafe encounters have occurred against navy vessels operating on the high seas.

Lasers

The PLA has dazzled foreign pilots with lasers, including as helicopters are seeking to land on ships, causing extremely dangerous situations.

Sonar bursts

Chinese ships have deliberately used sonar when foreign divers are in the water, creating pressure waves that can cause seriously injuries to humans, including injuries to hearing.

Dangerous manoeuvres at sea

China’s navy has dangerously cut across the bows of other military ships at close distances, increasing the risk of collisions at sea.

What would happen if there was a serious incident?

PRESSURE POINTS

China’s air and maritime coercion

China’s Intercept Tactics