Osborn told Rumsfeld that he tried to contact Chinese air traffic control 15 to 20 times after the collision but heard no response. He said it was unclear whether the Chinese did not answer or answered and could not be heard, The Associated Press reported. It was clear the pilot's intent was to harass the crew. Surveillance, not spying Rumsfeld also emphasized that the Navy EP-3 aircraft was not spying. It was on a well-known flight path that we have used for decades.
Many countries use such flights, including China.
The U.S. defense secretary also said the U.S. crew was able to destroy much of the intelligence data aboard the plane. They . . . But it's our plane, and we expect it would be returned. Zhu Bangzao, spokesman from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs , had a different take. What to do about this plane will be decided according to the result of the investigation.