Japan’s defence ministry reported that it had scrambled fighter jets on Monday morning in response to a Chinese reconnaissance aircraft that breached its airspace. This incident, marking the first time a Chinese military aircraft has entered Japanese airspace, has escalated tensions between the two nations.
Details Of The Airspace Breach
The Chinese aircraft, identified as a Y-9 reconnaissance plane, entered Japan’s airspace over the Danjo Islands. These islands are located to the west of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s main islands. The breach occurred between 11:29 a.m. and 11:31 a.m., lasting for only a few minutes before the aircraft left Japanese airspace.
Japan’s Response And Diplomatic Protest
In response to the incursion, Japan quickly deployed fighter jets to intercept the Chinese aircraft. Following the incident, Japan’s government lodged a strong protest with Beijing through diplomatic channels, expressing serious concerns over the violation of its airspace.
The breach is particularly significant as it is the first known instance of a Chinese military aircraft entering Japanese airspace. This event has heightened concerns over regional security and the potential for increased military tensions between Japan and China.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
