Chinese J-15 jets flew within 45m of Japanese aircraft amid dual carrier operations
In a significant escalation of aerial encounters, Chinese fighter jets flew alarmingly close to Japanese military patrol planes over international waters in the Pacific, prompting Tokyo to issue a formal protest and demand preventive measures.
Unusually Close Encounters Spark Concern
Japan’s Ministry of Defense reported that on June 7 and 8, Chinese J-15 fighter jets from the aircraft carrier Shandong dangerously approached Japanese P-3C patrol planes, with one instance recording a proximity as close as 45 meters. These P-3C aircraft, operated by the Maritime Self-Defense Force and based in Okinawa, were conducting surveillance in international airspace above the Pacific Ocean.
On June 7, a Chinese jet shadowed the Japanese patrol aircraft for about 40 minutes. The following day, a similar event unfolded, lasting 80 minutes, during which a J-15 crossed just 900 meters in front of the Japanese plane. Japan’s defense ministry released close-up images of the Chinese jets to support its claims.
Tokyo Lodges Formal Protest
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi addressed the issue on June 12, describing the approaches as “abnormal” and expressing Tokyo’s “serious concern.” He confirmed that Japan had “solemnly requested prevention of recurrence” through diplomatic channels. Although there was no reported damage to the Japanese aircraft or crew, Tokyo emphasized the risk of accidental mid-air collisions.
A spokesperson from the ministry’s Joint Staff Office declined to confirm whether the same jets and crews were involved in both incidents. Nevertheless, the Japanese government has vowed to maintain multi-level communication with Beijing and continue monitoring its surrounding airspace rigorously.
Dual Chinese Carrier Operations
The incidents coincided with a rare demonstration of Chinese naval power. Earlier in the week, Japan observed both the Shandong and Liaoning aircraft carriers conducting simultaneous operations in the Pacific — the first time Beijing has deployed both vessels concurrently in this region.
Japan interprets this maneuver as a strategic effort by China to expand its military capabilities beyond its immediate borders. The development marks a notable milestone in China’s naval modernization and its growing assertiveness in East Asian waters.
Beijing Calls It Routine Training
Responding to the concerns, the Chinese government asserted that the dual-carrier exercise was part of a “routine training” mission not aimed at any specific nation. This official stance echoes similar statements from Beijing in past encounters involving close military contacts.
However, the memory of a similar 2014 incident — when Chinese aircraft reportedly flew as close as 30 meters to Japanese planes over the East China Sea — still looms large. That episode also drew sharp protests from Tokyo and highlighted the persistent volatility in regional airspace.
Heightened Risks In Crowded Skies
The proximity of these encounters underlines the increasing risks of miscalculation. A mere 45-meter distance between high-speed military aircraft represents a narrow margin for error, especially in contested or sensitive regions. Japan’s call for restraint reflects growing anxiety over a potential crisis triggered by an unintended collision.
Given the rising tempo of joint drills and patrols in the Pacific, regional neighbors — including Indonesia and Singapore — are closely watching these developments. The safety of vital sea lanes and the stability of East Asian geopolitics may hinge on how well these military powers manage such encounters going forward.
These near-miss incidents in the skies above the Pacific underscore a broader strategic chess game unfolding between China and Japan. As both nations expand their maritime presence, the implications extend far beyond their borders. For Indonesia and Singapore — deeply connected to these waters through trade, security partnerships, and regional diplomacy — the stability of East Asia’s airspace is increasingly a shared concern.
Sources: CNA (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Chinese Fighter Jets, Japanese Patrol Planes, J-15 Jet, P-3C Aircraft, Shandong Carrier, Pacific Tensions
