The Orion is typically a submarine hunter (although this particular one wasn't, of course, they just wanted to listen to local Chinese FM radio stations). And the Chinese air force is usually out of its depth when dealing with Americans. Ergo, in international waters!

Thanks, CK. To paraphrase Paul Harvey, "So THAT is the REST of the story!" I knew someone out there would be able to explain it.

Gooood DAY!