China deploys Su-35 jets in South China Sea to counter US patrols

China has deployed the newly acquired Russian made Su-35 fighter jets in its combat mission over the disputed South China Sea. 

The deployment is reportedly aimed to challenge recurring US aerial and naval patrols asserting freedom of navigation and over-flight in region.The Chinese air force said in a statement that it has recently sent its Su-35 fighter jets to take part in a joint combat patrol over the South China Sea. 

The US military is periodically sending



warships and air force jets to assert freedom of flights and navigation over the South China Sea as China claims most of it.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the area.

This is the first time the People's Liberation Army Air Force has made public the deployment of its Su-35s. Introduced to China in late 2016, the Su-35 is a multi-role fighter aircraft that can attack targets on the ground and the sea.