In the early morning of a particular day, an EP-3E Aries II surveillance aircraft of the United States Navy was conducting routine operations in international airspace over the South China Sea. During this operation, the aircraft collided with a Chinese People's Liberation Army Shenyang J-8 fighter jet. The American aircraft was reported to have suffered considerable damage while the J-8 lost control. The Chinese pilot attempted to eject but was subsequently lost at sea, leading to concerns about his fate. Following the collision, the crew of the EP-3E managed to execute an emergency landing on Hainan Island, located in southern China. Despite making a successful landing, the U.S. Navy crew was detained by Chinese officials almost immediately upon arrival.

This incident escalated quickly, becoming a significant point of dispute between the United States and China. The standoff lasted 11 days as diplomatic discussions ensued to secure the release of the U.S. Navy personnel. It highlighted existing tensions in the region, revealing the potential for confrontations in contested areas where military exercises and surveillance operations frequently occur. The release of the crew was negotiated and occurred on April 12, 2001, but the Chinese government used the episode to assert its sovereignty and raise nationalistic sentiments within China.

The U.S. had to navigate this crisis carefully as it was seen as a diplomatic failure while also maintaining a focus on the wider implications for Sino-American relations. The incident saw a media frenzy and debates within both nations about military engagement, sovereignty, and the risks of military operations in close proximity to each other.