[Breitbart] The Chinese state propaganda outlet Global Times has published an incendiary column claiming that the Chinese public "really detest US reconnaissance" in Asia and "actually wanted" China to shoot down a U.S. reconnaissance plane dangerously intercepted over the weekend.The Global Times called the Pentagon’s objection to the outrageous aerial move "ridiculous" and demanded the United States cease all intelligence operations in the region.
On Sunday, two Chinese fighter jets gave chase to an American reconnaissance aircraft over the international waters of the East China Sea, forcing the American plane to maneuver away from them rapidly. American officials with knowledge of the situation described the Chinese jets’ behavior as "unsafe," while the Pentagon clarified that the American plane was conducting a "routine" mission.
"The ’righteousness’ of the Pentagon is ridiculous," the Times complained. "US military reconnaissance threatens China’s national security and an intercept by the Chinese navy is justified."
The article goes on to praise the Chinese military for its "restraint," suggesting that the will of the Chinese people would have been to see the incident turn deadly. "The public actually wanted the US reconnaissance plane to be shot down directly," the article claims. "Of course the PLA would not do it, but the Chinese people really detest US reconnaissance, which is bound to have an impact on the response of the Chinese military."