Robert Ferguson
The US P-8A reconnaissance aircraft was spotted operating less than 100 km from Shanghai, China.
"The P-8A model code AE68A2 continuously patrols along the east coast of China, about 41 nautical miles (76 km) off the baseline off the coast of Shanghai. This may be a presence near mainland China.
US P-8A reconnaissance aircraft took off in Japan on July 15 Photo: US Navy
The destroyer USS Rafael Peralta was also later present about 100 nautical miles (185 km) off the baseline off Shanghai, while the EP-3E reconnaissance aircraft drafted an area south of the Taiwan Strait, away from Fujian Province.
The US Department of Defense and China have not commented on the information.
The probation came shortly after China asked the US to close the Consulate General in Chengdu in response to Washington's order to close the Consulate General of Beijing in Houston, Texas.
SCSPI said that US aircraft usually reach the Chinese coast within 50-60 nautical miles.
Flight of the P-8A off Shanghai on July 26 Photo: SCSPI
During the peak days, up to 8 US aircraft operating near the coast of China, including P-8A, EP-3E, RC-135W and KC-135 refueling aircraft.
SCSPI Director Ho Ba said US aircraft operating in the South China Sea were tasked with conducting anti-submarine patrols, collecting communications signals, detecting radar frequencies and other information.
US-China tensions related to the South China Sea issue have recently increased, in the context of Beijing intensifying its irrational claims in the region.
