Chinese, Japanese Jets in Near Collision Over Pacific, Tokyo Protests

A Chinese fighter jet came dangerously close to a Japanese military patrol aircraft over the Pacific Ocean, Japan’s Defense Ministry said Wednesday, in what it described as a “near miss” incident that raised tensions between the two Asian powers.

The Chinese jet, which took off from the aircraft carrier Shandong, reportedly flew within just 45 meters (about 148 feet) of a Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) patrol plane. Tokyo said the encounter occurred over the weekend and included “dangerous maneuvers,” such as crossing directly in front of the Japanese aircraft on multiple occasions.

Japan lodged an official protest with Beijing, demanding an immediate end to such provocative actions.

The incident followed Japan’s report of two Chinese aircraft carriers—Liaoning and Shandong—sailing simultaneously in the western Pacific for the first time. On Monday, Shandong and four accompanying vessels entered Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where it conducted fighter jet and helicopter drills north of Okinotori Island, about 1,700 kilometers south of Tokyo.

While Japan views the close encounters as unsafe and a violation of norms, China has defended its actions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the operations were lawful and routine.

“China’s defense policy is defensive in nature. We hope Japan will look at these activities objectively and rationally,” Lin said in Beijing.

The escalating aerial and naval activity underscores rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific, where both countries remain at odds over territorial claims and military presence.