(CNN)Two Chinese J-11 fighter aircraft carried out an “unsafe” intercept of a United States EP-3E “Aires II” reconnaissance aircraft in international airspace over the South China Sea, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

During the incident, which took place Tuesday, the fighters reportedly came within 50 feet (15 meters) of the Navy plane.
Flying two supersonic fighter jets within 50 feet of a four-engine turboprop aircraft is dangerous, especially when the pilots cannot communicate effectively with each other, nor are the intentions of the intercepting aircraft clear.
One mistake, either in judgment or airmanship, could result in a lethal incident.
This is not theory — it has happened in this same airspace with almost the identical participants. In April 2001, a Navy EP-3E was intercepted by a Chinese J-8 fighter.
The Chinese pilot misjudged the distance between his fighter and the Navy aircraft. He attempted to do a zoom climb from under the aircraft and pull up immediately in front of the cockpit. He clipped the aircraft, lost control and crashed, resulting in his death.

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/19/opinions/china-u-s-military-flight-intercept/