The WC-135. Photo: Wikicommons

WASHINGTON: Two Chinese fighter jets intercepted an American military plane over the East China Sea, media in the United States reported Thursday, citing US officials.

NBC News reported that the US aircraft, a WC-135 Constant Phoenix, was conducting a routine mission in international airspace Wednesday when it was intercepted over the East China Sea by two Chinese Sukhoi Su-30 fighter aircraft.

The WC-135 is a so-called "sniffer plane" designed to scan the atmosphere for signs of nuclear activity.

NBC said the crew of the US plane described the encounter as "unprofessional," although not necessarily dangerous.

It said military officials insist the US plane was operating in accordance with international law.

Officials told the US news network that the matter is being addressed with Beijing via "appropriate diplomatic channels".