Mid-Air Tensions Rise: Chinese Jets and Japanese Planes in Alarmingly Close Encounters
Chinese fighter jets flew alarmingly close to Japanese military patrol planes over the Pacific, causing Tokyo to express serious concern. These incidents, involving Chinese aircraft carriers Shandong and Liaoning, have heightened tensions between the nations, signaling China's growing military assertiveness in the region, raising international alarm.
In a display of escalating regional tensions, Chinese fighter jets approached Japanese military patrol planes alarmingly close over the Pacific Ocean last weekend, sparking strong diplomatic objections from Tokyo. The presence of two Chinese aircraft carriers in the waters marked a first, raising concerns among Japanese and U.S. officials about China's increasing military assertiveness.
The incidents, which occurred on June 7-8, saw Chinese J-15 jets from the Shandong aircraft carrier tailing Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft. According to Japan's defense ministry, these jets got as close as 45 meters to the Japanese planes. Furthermore, the ministry voiced concern over the potential risk of accidental collisions due to such 'abnormal approaches' by Chinese military aircraft.
China's routine naval exercises were labeled as 'dangerous reconnaissance' by Japan, as the operations coincided with Japan's largest military buildup since World War Two. Amidst rising pressures over Taiwan and the broader East Asian security landscape, U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass criticized China's aggressive tactics, citing them as threats to regional stability.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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