China deploys fighter jets over South China Sea to challenge US

Beijing, Feb 08: In a bid to challenge US aerial and naval patrols asserting freedom of navigation over the disputed South China Sea, China has deployed Russian made Su-35 fighter jets.

The Chinese air force recently sent its Su-35 fighter jets to take part in a joint combat patrol over the South China Sea, the Chinese air force said in a statement.

The US military periodically sends warships and air force jets to assert freedom of flights and navigation over the South China Sea as China claims most of it.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the area.

This is the first time the People's Liberation Army air force has made public the deployment of its Su-35s, introduced to China in late 2016, state-run People's Daily reported.