The EP-3A is most definitely a spy plane. The very reason it was there was to spy on the Chinese Navy, etc. (not to mention why we were so bent out of shape when they decided to examine our little piece of spying equipment).

My sentiments here are that the Chinese really shouldn't be so upset that we were over there skirting their borders to get some military intelligence (if you'll pardon the oxymoron). After all, if we don't do this type of intelligence gathering, how can they expect us to be be able to bomb the right embassy next time?

Cheers,

-- Arne Langsetmo