Japan demands China halt dangerously close fighter jet encounters

On Wednesday and Thursday, July 9 and 10, 2025, Japanese intelligence-gathering aircraft were engaged in routine missions over the East China Sea when two Chinese JH-7 fighter-bombers approached closely, with one jet coming within 30 meters. This incident prompted Japan's officials to issue a formal protest to China regarding these unusual military maneuvers and the potential risk of mid-air collisions. Japan's Defense Ministry indicated that such actions posed a serious risk, although no damage was reported from either side during these encounters. The urgency and increased military activity in this region have raised concerns for Japan. Japan has been closely monitoring China's acceleration of military capabilities, particularly near its southwestern areas, alongside reported surveillance activities by Beijing amidst escalating tensions. In these recent encounters, the Chinese fighter-bombers maintained dangerously close proximity to Japanese aircraft for significant periods, indicating a troubling trend in regional interactions that could lead to unintended consequences if left unchecked. Following the incidents, Japan expressed deep apprehensions regarding the tactics employed by the Chinese military, viewing them as a provocative escalation. This situation follows previous confrontations earlier in the year when Chinese J-15 jets were reported flying dangerously close to Japanese P-3C maritime patrol aircraft. These incidents have occurred amidst broader concerns about China's military buildup and its strategic maneuvers in the Pacific. Japan's Foreign Ministry, led by Vice Minister Takehiro Funakoshi, formally summoned the Chinese ambassador, Wu Jianghao, to voice Japan's serious concerns and urge an end to such risky maneuvers over international airspace. The Japanese authorities have reiterated the necessity of ensuring that these incidents do not repeat in the future, highlighting the potential for high-speed collisions. The increased frequency of such encounters may not only exacerbate diplomatic tensions but also impact regional stability. As Japan and China both assert their military interests in overlapping areas, the importance of dialogue and de-escalation becomes crucial. The Japanese government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard its national security and ensure that its surveillance capabilities can operate without risk from foreign military aircraft in international airspace. The rising stakes in military engagements reinforce the calls for diplomatic resolution and clearer lines of communication between both nations in order to avoid a potential crisis in the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.