It's jam-packed with some of the most sensitive intelligence collection gadgets that the American intelligence community has. After the incident, the EP-3 made an emergency landing on the Chinese island of Hainan. The American pilot radioed that all 24 men and women on board were safe, but they had been ordered by the Chinese to shut down the aircraft. That was the last communication. The Chinese foreign ministry said the incident was entirely the responsibility of the US plane because it veered unexpectedly.
American officials say that is nonsense.
Admiral Dennis Blair, Pacific commander, said the responsibility lies with the fast-moving Chinese jets. Our aircraft fly routinely straight and level. It's pretty obvious who bumped into whom. As yet that has not happened. He said the Chinese must also stay off the aircraft.