The Pentagon has released footage showing a Chinese J-11 fighter jet conducting an 'unprofessional' and dangerously close encounter with an American B-52 bomber over the South China Sea.

The footage reportedly shows the Chinese fighter jet flying dangerously close to the American B-52 bomber.

The images were obtained from the US Department of Defense's U.S. Indo-Pacific Command along with a statement dated October 24 saying: 'A People's Republic of China J-11 pilot executed an unsafe intercept of a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace.

'During the night time intercept, the PRC pilot flew in an unsafe and unprofessional manner, demonstrated poor airmanship by closing with uncontrolled excessive speed, flying below, in front of, and within 10 feet of the B-52, putting both aircraft in danger of collision.

'We are concerned this pilot was unaware of how close he came to causing a collision.

'The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate – safely and responsibly – wherever international law allows, and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Joint Force will continue to fly in international airspace with due regard for the safety of all vessels and aircraft under international law.

'We expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific region to use international airspace safely and in accordance with international law.'