Tom, the only thing I can figure is three things:
1. The Chinese leadership is upset about recent defections, especially this high level Colonel's, and wondering whether they can use this accident as an opportunity to get him back. news.bbc.co.uk
2. American reconnaissance flights are really pissing them off, because the element of surprise regarding invading Tawaiin has been rendered mute. They might be hoping we will reduce the flights in the future if they make a big deal about this accident.
3. The communists are looking to expand their empire by taking over Tawaiin. If they can use this situation to garner concessions, it might be worth the risk to U.S. relations.
I don't think they planned this at all though. Their flight jocks have been harassing our planes for nearly 9 months now, and I heard a complaint was filed by the Pentagon to the state department. Clinton and his team simply ignored the openly hostile fly-bye's in international airspace for political reasons. The pilot that died was a known dare-devil who did this sort of thing routinely. There are even reports that he flashed his email address at P3 crews while he was maneuvering around them. He simply got too close this time, clipped the plane and killed himself.
If anyone believes a prop engine P3 accidently hit a jet aircraft, they have no clue about aircraft maneuverability. P3's are slow lumbering craft, designed for dropping sonar buoys and performing reconnaissance. The jets should have never gotten that close. The onus of responsibility to stay clear was on them. After all, they were 65 miles from Chinese territory.
The P3 crew, trained in proper destruct procedures, probably implemented their destruction plan, and narrowly escaped death by finding that airfield.
So, I suppose I should add a number 4 to the list above.
They're embarrassed by their pilots behavior, and similar to techniques used by the Clinton administration. They're accusing the other side of exactly what they're guilty of. Namely, reckless dangerous flying in international air space.
Another interesting little tid-bit about this incident is the P3 aircraft is not a spy plane like the media keep callling it. It's a reconnaissance aircraft. Spy planes fly over other countries, (like the U2 or SR-71). Also, I've heard reports they were taking pictures of a Sovremmeny class Soviet destroyer who was practicing a guiding missile launch, not listening to Chinese intelligence messages. However, they may have been doing both.
Michael |
