China scrambles fighters to confront US warplanes based in South Korea

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Seong Hyeon ChoiFebruary 20, 2026 at 01:01 PM

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According to South Korean media reports, US and Chinese fighter jets engaged in a stand-off over the Yellow Sea on Wednesday. Approximately ten US F-16s, originating from Osan Air Base in South Korea, flew west as part of a training operation, approaching China's air defense identification zone (ADIZ). In response, China scrambled its own fighter jets, resulting in a brief confrontation. The US planes did not enter the Chinese ADIZ, and the Chinese planes did not enter the South Korean one. The incident occurred as the US seeks to shift its military focus in South Korea towards China. The US has not commented on the operation, but such close proximity to the Chinese ADIZ is unusual.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

MBC News 30% North Korea 50% F-16 ×250% Osan Air Base 60% Yellow Sea ×370% South Korea ×480% China ×390% United States ×390%

Keywords

fighter jets 90% us warplanes 80% china 80% united states 70% yellow sea 70% air defence identification zone 60% south korea 60% military confrontation 50% training operation 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.20

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Classification Confidence

85%

Geographic Perspective

China

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fighter jets us warplanes china united states yellow sea air defence identification zone south korea military confrontation training operation

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