So hubby and I were on board Sichuan Air from China to LAX. It was a long flight so hubby found an empty seat in the front row behind first class. I sat there for a few seconds when I was approached by a man wearing a uniform ( later found out he is an air marshal). He told me I'm in his seat in a very rude, entitled manner (which surprised me even for a Chinese). I said , oh I'm sorry I didn't know, and moved to the row behind him. Well, he plopped himself aggressively in the seat and the back of the chair hit me. I confronted him with his passive aggression which lead to an exchange of words and some inaudible yelling from him. I decided to go back to my assigned seat but this man followed me to my seat intimidating me like he was like going to hit or push me to my seat if I don't move out of his way even though he was following me. A few minutes later, still before take off, the cabin crew apologized to me because of this man's behavior and mentioned that he always acts like this and motioned he has a big head.

Anybody else have had an unfavorable encounter like me? Other non-Chinese passengers were surprised with his display of authority as well. Is this common cultural behavior? I'm disgusted by his blatant show of power.