What Are Tokyo's Concerns Over a Near-Collision with a Chinese Aircraft?
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Synopsis
Tokyo has raised alarms over a near-miss incident involving a Chinese military aircraft and a Japanese patrol plane over the Pacific. As tensions rise, Japan calls for Beijing to ensure such dangerous encounters do not happen again. Explore the implications of this event on regional security.
Key Takeaways
- Japan expressed serious concerns over a near-miss incident with a Chinese aircraft.
- The Japanese government urged Beijing to prevent future incidents.
- Japan is enhancing monitoring in its surrounding airspace and waters.
- China's military activities in the Pacific are expanding.
- The incident highlights rising tensions in regional security.
Tokyo, June 12 (NationPress) — On Thursday, Tokyo expressed significant concerns regarding a near-collision incident involving a Chinese aircraft and a Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) patrol plane, which occurred over international waters in the Pacific. The Japanese government urged Beijing to prevent any future occurrences of such events.
During a press conference, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi relayed Japan's position to China through diplomatic and defense channels regarding the incident.
"The government has conveyed serious concerns to the Chinese representatives, including the ambassador in Tokyo, through the vice minister of foreign affairs, and has strongly urged them to avert such incidents in the future," Hayashi stated.
When asked about China's intentions behind their maneuvers, Hayashi refrained from speculation but remarked that the unusual approaches by the Chinese military aircraft could have led to a collision.
The Chief Cabinet Secretary emphasized that Japan will continue to make every effort to maintain vigilance and monitoring in the airspace and waters surrounding Japan to firmly protect its territorial waters, airspace, and territorial rights.
Earlier this week, the Japanese Defence Ministry reported the sighting of two Chinese aircraft carriers — the Shandong and Liaoning — conducting operations in the Pacific for the first time.
On Wednesday, the Defence Ministry noted that a Chinese military aircraft, which launched from the Shandong, nearly collided with a Japanese patrol plane over the high seas, flying as close as 45 meters to the MSDF P-3C aircraft at the same altitude.
Moreover, the Chinese J-15 warplane reportedly executed other hazardous maneuvers over the weekend, such as passing in front of an MSDF P-3C aircraft at the same altitude with only about 900 meters separating the two planes.
The Ministry indicated that Japan filed a protest with China and expressed its serious concerns, noting that "these abnormal approaches by a Chinese military aircraft could result in an accidental collision."
According to the Japanese media outlet Kyodo News, Japan has remained vigilant due to the expanding military activities of China and the simultaneous operations of both the Shandong and Liaoning aircraft carriers in the Pacific.
Point of View
I emphasize that Japan's response to this alarming incident reflects its commitment to safeguarding national security while navigating complex diplomatic relations. Maintaining vigilance in the face of expanding military activities is crucial for Japan's defense strategy.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the near-miss incident?
A Chinese military aircraft nearly collided with a Japanese patrol plane over international waters in the Pacific, raising serious concerns in Tokyo.
How did Japan respond to the incident?
Japan lodged a formal protest with China and conveyed serious concerns through diplomatic channels, urging Beijing to prevent future occurrences.
What actions are being taken to ensure safety?
Japan is enhancing its vigilance and surveillance activities in the surrounding airspace and waters to protect its territorial integrity.
What do experts say about the implications of this incident?
Experts view this incident as a reflection of rising military tensions in the region, necessitating careful diplomatic engagement between Japan and China.
What is the significance of the Chinese aircraft carriers?
The simultaneous operation of two Chinese aircraft carriers in the Pacific marks a significant escalation in China's military presence and activities.
