As the US Forces Korea (USFK) conducted a large-scale aerial training exercise over the West Sea, a situation emerged on the 19th where US and Chinese forces faced off near the Korean Peninsula after China scrambled fighter jets in response.
According to multiple military sources familiar with the matter, over 10 USFK F-16 fighter jets departed from Osan Air Base on the 18th and maneuvered to the overlapping area of the South Korean and Chinese Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) over the West Sea. As the US fighters approached the Chinese ADIZ (CADIZ), both sides’ forces reportedly faced off temporarily over the West Sea after China also scrambled fighter jets.
The US side notified South Korea of the training in advance but did not explain specific plans or objectives, according to sources. Military authorities are understood to have conveyed concerns to the US after becoming aware of the training.
https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/02/19/WXCDROA7ZFAEHHFKNATKMCU2AA/