Japan has lodged a serious protest with Beijing over what it describes as “near-miss” maneuvers by Chinese fighter jets near Japanese maritime patrol planes in the Pacific. This incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, particularly given that China’s two operational aircraft carriers were deployed simultaneously in the Pacific for the first time last weekend.
According to Japan’s defence ministry, on Saturday, a Chinese J-15 warplane from the Shandong aircraft carrier chased a Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft for approximately 40 minutes. The situation worsened on Sunday, with a J-15 fighter jet chasing a P-3C for 80 minutes and crossing in front of the Japanese aircraft at a perilously close distance of only 900 meters (2,952 feet).
In another alarming incident, a Chinese J-15 warplane flew within 45 meters (147 feet) of a Japanese P-3C maritime surveillance plane, prompting Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi to express “serious concern” and request that China prevent such incidents from recurring.
The Japanese defence ministry emphasized that such abnormal approaches by Chinese military aircraft could potentially lead to accidental collisions, although fortunately, there was no damage to the Japanese planes or harm to the crew. Hayashi assured that Tokyo would maintain open communication channels with Beijing at various levels and continue monitoring the airspace around Japan’s territories.
This recent development recalls a similar incident over a decade ago, in May and June 2014, when Chinese Su-27 fighter jets flew within 30 meters (98 feet) of Japan’s military planes. Furthermore, the Kyodo news agency reported that the Shandong aircraft carrier conducted takeoff and landing drills on Monday to the north of Japan’s southernmost Okinotori Island, inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Liaoning carrier was also spotted inside the EEZ on Saturday before moving outside the zone, where it conducted takeoffs and landings on Sunday.
“We have expressed serious concern to the Chinese side and solemnly requested prevention of recurrence,” Hayashi said, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Japan’s vigilance comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with China’s military activities being closely watched by neighboring countries. The incidents highlight the need for continued diplomatic efforts to ensure regional stability and prevent potential conflicts.