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President Xi and Obama are set for a showdown over the South China Sea

The controversial move has been branded “unsafe” by the Pentagon as tensions reach boiling point between the two world powers.

The incident took place in "international airspace" on Tuesday as the US maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft carried out "a routine patrol" in the area.

Both China and the US have traded accusations over military in the contested area.

Several nations claim control over the territory in the resource-rich South China Sea. Several countries lay claim the resource-rich area

Washington has accused Beijing of militarising the South China Sea after creating artificial islands.

And China, in turn, has criticised increased US naval patrols and exercises in Asia.

The latest confrontation could escalate tensions and lead to “military” consequences. South China Sea is hotly contested

The statement from the Pentagon said that the Department of Defence was addressing the issue through military and diplomatic channels.

It added: “Over the past year, the Department of Defence has seen improvements in China’s actions, flying in a safe and professional manner.”

The territory is claimed in part or in whole by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.
