Chinese fighter jets intercept US spy plane over South China Sea: Pentagon

The Pentagon has said that two Chinese fighters have conducted an "unsafe" intercept of a U.S. spy plane in international air space over the South China Sea.

"The Department of Defense is reviewing a May 17 intercept of a US maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft by two tactical aircraft from the People's Republic of China," the Guardian quoted Major Jamie Davis, Pentagon spokesman as saying.

Without giving additional details, he added, "Initial reports characterized the incident as unsafe."

Tensions between both nations have turned sour in the South China Sea, where Beijing has been building islets into military bases.

China has also asserted sovereignty over large parts of the critical waterway.

Washington along with Vietnam and the Philippines claims says Beijing's assertions have no basis in law.