Analysts say U.S. electronic spy planes monitor the Chinese coast several times a month and that the flights are vital to protecting allies in the region. Although the flights were suspended after the collision April 1, a Navy EP-3 mission is reportedly scheduled for this week. It is not clear whether it will proceed. The EP-3 planes are part of a squadron based at a naval base in Washington state. Their mission is to collect and process signals from radar and other electronic communications, such as telephone calls, computer or fax communications and satellite transmissions.
Analysts say the United States has no choice but to continue the missions.
I don't think so. Pike says caving to Chinese demands would set a bad legal precedent because the flights are conducted outside the 12-mile limit of China's territorial waters. Even so, the incident may change the way the flights are conducted in the short run. Bolkcom says planes may fly a little farther offshore or with fighter-jet escorts. He also expects the Air Force to speed development of the Global Hawk, an unmanned aerial vehicle that can monitor radio and radar signals.