China scrambles fighters to confront US warplanes based in South Korea
South China Morning Post
by Seong Hyeon ChoiFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
China has scrambled fighter jets in response to a recent US military operation involving F-16s near the Yellow Sea. The incident occurred as part of a training exercise by American forces based in South Korea. This move comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, with the US reportedly shifting its strategic focus from North Korea to China.
The stand-off took place over the Yellow Sea on Wednesday, where approximately 10 US F-16s departed from Osan Air Base near Seoul and conducted a westward flight as part of their training. This maneuver was interpreted by South Korean media as a signal of the US adjusting its military priorities in the region, with a greater emphasis on countering China rather than North Korea. The Chinese response involved deploying fighter jets to confront the American planes, marking an unusual but significant escalation in regional military activity.
This development underscores broader geopolitical shifts and rising tensions between the US and China in Asia. It highlights how the US is repositioning its military strategy in the region, potentially signaling a shift away from decades-long focus on North Korea toward addressing growing concerns about Chinese influence and activities. The incident also reflects the delicate balance of power dynamics among the three nations—South Korea, the US, and China—and raises questions about the potential for increased instability in an already volatile area.
For readers interested in global affairs, this situation sheds light on the evolving security landscape in East Asia and the implications of shifting US-China relations. It also underscores the importance of monitoring regional military activities, which could have far-reaching consequences for international alliances and the balance of power in the region.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/20/2026