China has heightened tensions with Japan by sending a spy plane into Japanese airspace for approximately two minutes. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi condemned this intrusion as “absolutely unacceptable,” labeling it a serious violation of territorial rights and a significant security threat.
On Monday, Hayashi revealed that a Chinese Y-9 reconnaissance aircraft briefly breached Japan’s southwestern airspace. This incident marks the first time the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) detected a Chinese military aircraft within their airspace. In response, the JSDF swiftly deployed fighter jets to intercept the plane.
Hayashi emphasized, “The entry of Chinese military aircraft into our airspace represents a severe violation of our territorial rights and poses a significant security threat,” during a press conference.
The Joint Staff of the JSDF reported that the Chinese Y-9 circled Danjo Island, located off Japan’s southwestern coast, for two minutes. Japanese officials are now analyzing the situation and closely monitoring Chinese military activities. Fighter jets were dispatched to warn the Chinese aircraft to leave.
Furthermore, Hayashi pointed out that China’s military activity around Japan has rapidly intensified in recent years. Japan remains committed to monitoring these activities and addressing any future violations. Additionally, Japan’s Foreign Ministry has taken diplomatic action by summoning China’s Acting Ambassador Shi Yong. Deputy Foreign Minister Masataka Okano voiced strong objections and demanded that China implement measures to prevent similar incidents.