US combat jet crashes in South China Sea exercise, 7 hurt

BANGKOK (AP) — A U.S. Navy F35C Lightning II fight jet conducting workout routines within the South China Sea crashed whereas attempting to land on the deck of an American plane provider, injuring seven sailors, the army stated Tuesday.

The pilot was capable of eject earlier than the plane slammed into the flight deck of the usCarl Vinson on Monday after which fell into the water. The pilot was safely recovered by a helicopter, stated Lt. Mark Langford, a spokesman for the U.S. seventh Fleet.

Seven sailors, together with the pilot, have been injured and three have been evacuated for medical remedy in Manila, Philippines, whereas 4 have been handled on board the ship. The three despatched to Manila have been reported in steady situation on Tuesday morning, the Navy stated.

Particulars on the crash of the multimillion-dollar plane have been nonetheless being verified, Langford stated.

“The standing and restoration of the plane is presently below investigation,” he advised The Related Press.

Two American provider strike teams with greater than 14,000 sailors and marines are conducting workout routines within the South China Sea, which the army says is to exhibit the “U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Joint Pressure’s skill to ship a strong maritime power.”

Affect to the deck of the usCarl Vinson was “superficial,” Langford stated, and each carriers have resumed routine flight operations.

As China has pressed territorial claims within the South China Sea and elevated strain on Taiwan, the U.S. and its allies have stepped up workout routines within the area, in what they name freedom of navigation operations according to worldwide regulation.

Because the Carl Vinson and Abraham Lincoln strike teams started their twin provider operations on Sunday, China flew 39 warplanes towards Taiwan in its largest such sortie of the brand new yr, in line with Taiwan’s protection ministry.

The formation of 24 Chinese language J-16 and 10 J-10 fighter jets stayed out of Taiwanese air house, however the maneuver prompted Taiwan to scramble its personal plane in response.

Chinese language pilots have been flying towards Taiwan on a near-daily foundation, and it was unclear if Sunday’s flights have been a response to the American workout routines. China’s Ministry of Overseas Affairs refused to remark.

Taiwan and China break up throughout a civil conflict in 1949, however China claims the island as its personal territory. Beijing has used diplomatic and army means to isolate and intimidate the self-ruled island, however the U.S. has continued to help Taiwan by promoting it superior weapons and fighter planes.