Chinese fighter jet nearly collides with Japanese surveillance plane
- A Chinese J-15 fighter jet closely approached a Japanese P-3C Orion reconnaissance plane during a surveillance mission over the Pacific.
- The close encounter, which occurred over the weekend, raised safety concerns about potential collisions between military aircraft.
- International relations have been strained as Japan condemns China's military actions while the US expresses support.
Japan has raised concerns following a close encounter between a Chinese J-15 fighter jet and its Maritime Self-Defense Force's P-3C Orion reconnaissance plane over the international waters of the Pacific. The incident occurred during a surveillance mission aimed at monitoring the operations of the Chinese aircraft carrier, Shandong. Notably, the close approach was marked by the Chinese jet coming within 45 meters horizontally of the Japanese aircraft, raising alarms about potential collisions. This encounter lasted approximately 40 minutes, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region as military activities intensify. During the weekend, Japan observed simultaneous operations by two Chinese aircraft carriers, Shandong and Liaoning, in the vicinity of its waters. This marked the first instance of the Japanese navy sighting both carriers undertaking simultaneous maneuvers, which suggests China's efforts to enhance its naval capabilities and assert its influence in marine regions adjacent to Japan. In light of this, Japan's government has accused China of engaging in what it describes as 'abnormal approaches' with military aircraft, stressing that these maneuvers could significantly endanger airspace safety. US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, criticized the Chinese actions as dangerous and reckless, reflecting broader international sentiments regarding China's conduct in the region. Glass pointed out that these kinds of military gestures from Beijing, including harassment of ships from other nations, convey a troubling pattern of aggression. His remarks are a reminder of the negative perceptions regarding China's military assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. In response to these encounters, Japan's government has engaged diplomatically with Chinese representatives in a bid to prevent future incidents, showing its commitment to safeguarding national territorial rights and airspace integrity. Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the necessity for Japan to remain vigilant in the airspace and waters surrounding the nation. This situation illustrates the ongoing disputes and challenges facing Japan amid China’s growing military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, as nations take measures to ensure their security in a shifting geopolitical landscape.