A recent amendment to a document governing interactions between Chinese and American pilots instructs them to keep any rude hand gestures to themselves.
The amendment also requires military pilots to keep a safe distance from each other and communicate clearly, according to an Associated Press report.
“Military aircrew should refrain from the use of uncivil language or unfriendly physical gestures,” the amendment to the safety memorandum says.
There’s no evidence rude gestures or unprofessional conduct were involved in any incidents recently, the story said, adding that the additions show just how far the two countries are willing to go to avoid any unintended incidents.
The amendment, signed just before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Washington last month, comes as the two countries clash over China’s land claims in the South China Sea, called “excessive” by the Pentagon. The U.S. has promised to push for freedom of operation and fly or sail anywhere international law allows, including in the South China Sea.
Also, two years ago, China established an air defense identification zone over the East China Sea.
