ISTANBUL

Fighter jets from the United States and China were involved in a brief standoff earlier this week over waters near the Korean Peninsula, South Korean media reported Friday, citing military sources.

The incident followed a rare US Air Force operation, prompting China to scramble its own aircraft, according to Yonhap News.

Several F-16 fighter jets assigned to United States Forces Korea (USFK) took off late Wednesday from Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, Yonhap reported.

The aircraft flew over international waters in the Yellow Sea, a strategically sensitive area bordered by China and the Korean Peninsula.

The F-16s reportedly operated in airspace between the air defense identification zones of South Korea and China.

In response, the Chinese military dispatched fighter jets to monitor the US aircraft.

No shots were fired, and the encounter ended without a clash.

Sources said United States Forces Korea informed South Korea’s military in advance of the flight activity but did not disclose details, including its purpose.

South Korea and US forces have yet to comment on the report.

A South Korean Defense Ministry official said, “The USFK, alongside our military, maintains a strong combined defense posture,” adding that Seoul does not confirm operational details involving US military assets.

More than 28,500 US troops are stationed on the Korean Peninsula under a mutual defense treaty between Washington and Seoul.