Why Chinese warplanes are 'playing chicken' with US allies — and why they're doing it now

Chinese warplanes are targeting US allies in a high-stakes "game of chicken" over the Asia-Pacific that risks spiraling out of control -- raising the risk of an incident that could spark war.

That is the view of analysts who warn increasingly aggressive maneuvers by Chinese fighter jets -- accused of endangering both Canadian and Australian aircraft and crew in recent incidents -- are a sign Beijing is pushing its territorial claims to a dangerous new level.

And it is the threat of this brinksmanship spiraling into a conflict -- possibly...