USFK Fighters Patrol West Sea, Sparking US-China Standoff Near ADIZ

[Elderberry]

The Chosun By  Yang Ji-ho 2/20/2026

US and Chinese jets faced off over overlapping air defense zones as USFK conducted independent training without informing South Korea

As the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) conducted a large-scale aerial training exercise over the West Sea, a situation emerged on the 19th where U.S. 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 U.S. fighters approached the Chinese ADIZ (CADIZ), both sides' forces reportedly faced off temporarily over the West Sea after China also scrambled fighter jets.

The U.S. 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 U.S. after becoming aware of the training.

More: https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/02/19/WXCDROA7ZFAEHHFKNATKMCU2AA/