Latest news with #YoshihideYoshida
Japan Forward
14-06-2025
- General
- Japan Forward
Chinese Military Jets Make Aggressive Passes Near Japan
このページを 日本語 で読む At a press conference on June 12, General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of the Joint Staff of Japan's Self-Defense Forces, addressed the aggressive actions of Chinese military aircraft. He described the behavior as deliberate, noting, "They followed us for 40 minutes, then 80 minutes — and it happened two days in a row." Chinese J-15 fighter jets, launched from the aircraft carrier Shandong , approached Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) P-3C patrol aircraft at dangerously close range on two consecutive days. The Shandong had advanced to waters near Japan's Okinotorishima, more than 1,500 kilometers from the Chinese mainland. According to the Ministry of Defense (MOD), the first close encounter occurred on June 7. A lone J-15 tailed Japan's P-3C for approximately 40 minutes, repeatedly veering side to side as it approached and retreated, eventually closing to within just 45 meters on the aircraft's left side. On June 8, a second J-15 tailed a Japanese P-3C for roughly 80 minutes, coming as close as 45 meters on the aircraft's right side. As it disengaged, the jet crossed in front of the patrol plane at the same altitude, just 900 meters ahead. That day, another Chinese fighter also joined the pursuit. Describing the 45-meter proximity, a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) pilot said it felt like "a total stranger walking shoulder to shoulder with you — close enough to break a cold sweat." At the time, China had deployed two aircraft carriers to the western Pacific simultaneously for the first time. Reflecting on the maneuver, one ASDF official remarked, "It was as if they were declaring, 'This is China's airspace.'" Frontal crossings like the one on June 8 are especially dangerous, as wake turbulence can trigger engine malfunctions. Japan's P-3C was conducting surveillance on five vessels, including the Shandong . According to reports, the JMSDF aircraft attempted to communicate via radio, asserting that it was "conducting legitimate mission flights in international airspace." While the MOD has not released the full details of the exchange, it stated that a safe distance was maintained from the Shandong . Chinese military aircraft have repeatedly carried out provocative maneuvers against the United States and other allied forces in recent years. In February, a Chinese J-16 fighter jet closed to within just 30 meters of an Australian P-8A patrol aircraft over the South China Sea and released infrared countermeasure flares designed to evade missiles. According to a 2023 announcement by the US Department of Defense, Chinese aircraft were involved in more than 180 abnormal close encounters over the previous two years. These included incidents where jets flew close enough for crew members' faces to be seen or crossed directly in front of US aircraft at dangerously close range. Around the same time, another Chinese aircraft carrier, the Liaoning , crossed the Second Island Chain — a key US defense perimeter — for the first time. This time, with both Chinese carriers operating simultaneously in the western Pacific, Professor Tetsuo Kotani of Meikai University, a security policy expert, offered this analysis: "This seems to be China's way of sending a warning: 'Don't interfere with our legitimate training in this newly entered area.' It also reflects growing confidence as China continues to strengthen its carrier strike group operations." Author: Toyohiro Ichioka, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Miami Herald
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
China Feuds With US Ally Over Fighter Jet Intercept
China and Japan-a treaty ally of the United States-engaged in finger-pointing after their military aircraft had close encounters while conducting operations over the Pacific Ocean. Beijing accused Tokyo of "intruding" into the training area of its naval fleet, while Japan asserted that Chinese fighter jets deliberately flew in close proximity to its patrol aircraft. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese and Japanese foreign ministries for comment via email. Japan has been monitoring the Chinese navy-the largest in the world by hull count-in the western Pacific Ocean as the Northeast Asian country forms part of the first island chain, a defensive line of islands intended to contain China's navy under a U.S. maritime strategy. China has deployed both of its aircraft carriers-CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong-to the east of the first island chain since June 7. Japan's military reported that its patrol aircraft was intercepted by fighter jets launched from the Shandong while conducting surveillance. Regarding the aerial intercept incidents reported by Japan the previous day, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a news conference on Thursday that the two countries' defense departments "are in communication through existing channels." However, the Chinese official blamed Japan's "close-in reconnaissance" of China's routine military activities for creating what he described as "maritime and air security risks" and urged the Japanese military to stop such dangerous actions by its vessels and aircraft. Meanwhile, an unnamed spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Japan reiterated a statement from the Chinese navy, saying the dual aircraft carrier deployment in the western Pacific Ocean was part of routine training and did not "target any specific country or objective." The Chinese spokesperson accused the Japanese patrol aircraft of "seriously disrupting" the training by approaching the aircraft carrier. The official said, "China conducted professional and standardized on-site handling in accordance with laws and regulations." In Japan, General Yoshihide Yoshida, the chief of the Joint Staff, told media that the approach by Chinese fighter jets toward the Japanese patrol aircraft was not accidental, saying the two incidents lasted for 40 and 80 minutes, respectively, and occurred on two consecutive days. Tokyo expressed serious concern to Beijing and requested measures to prevent a recurrence, said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, the Japanese government's spokesperson, at a news conference. He added that Japan would defend its territory, airspace and waters. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Thursday: "China's activities in relevant waters and airspace are consistent with international law and international practices." An unnamed spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Japan said on Thursday: "China urges Japan to stop dangerous actions that interfere with China's training activities and to avoid causing unexpected incidents." General Yoshihide Yoshida, the chief of the Japan Joint Staff, said on Thursday: "If we relax our posture, we will encourage attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by (China's) force." Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan's chief cabinet secretary, said on Thursday: "The unusual approach of a Chinese military aircraft could provoke an accidental collision." Japan is likely to continue its surveillance of Chinese military activities near its territory as China's navy and air force expand their reach and presence across the wider Pacific Ocean. Related Articles US Ally Keeps American Missiles at Choke Point Near ChinaUS Aircraft Carrier Holds 'Warfighting' Drills on China's DoorstepChina Closer To Solving Hyperloop Train's Biggest FlawDonald Trump Issues Next Trade Deal Update After China 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Feuds With US Ally Over Fighter Jet Intercept
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China and Japan—a treaty ally of the United States—engaged in finger-pointing after their military aircraft had close encounters while conducting operations over the Pacific Ocean. Beijing accused Tokyo of "intruding" into the training area of its naval fleet, while Japan asserted that Chinese fighter jets deliberately flew in close proximity to its patrol aircraft. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese and Japanese foreign ministries for comment via email. Why It Matters Japan has been monitoring the Chinese navy—the largest in the world by hull count—in the western Pacific Ocean as the Northeast Asian country forms part of the first island chain, a defensive line of islands intended to contain China's navy under a U.S. maritime strategy. China has deployed both of its aircraft carriers—CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong—to the east of the first island chain since June 7. Japan's military reported that its patrol aircraft was intercepted by fighter jets launched from the Shandong while conducting surveillance. What To Know Regarding the aerial intercept incidents reported by Japan the previous day, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a news conference on Thursday that the two countries' defense departments "are in communication through existing channels." A Chinese J-15 fighter jet flying near a Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft over the Pacific Ocean on June 8. A Chinese J-15 fighter jet flying near a Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft over the Pacific Ocean on June 8. Japanese Defense Ministry However, the Chinese official blamed Japan's "close-in reconnaissance" of China's routine military activities for creating what he described as "maritime and air security risks" and urged the Japanese military to stop such dangerous actions by its vessels and aircraft. Meanwhile, an unnamed spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Japan reiterated a statement from the Chinese navy, saying the dual aircraft carrier deployment in the western Pacific Ocean was part of routine training and did not "target any specific country or objective." The Chinese spokesperson accused the Japanese patrol aircraft of "seriously disrupting" the training by approaching the aircraft carrier. The official said, "China conducted professional and standardized on-site handling in accordance with laws and regulations." In Japan, General Yoshihide Yoshida, the chief of the Joint Staff, told media that the approach by Chinese fighter jets toward the Japanese patrol aircraft was not accidental, saying the two incidents lasted for 40 and 80 minutes, respectively, and occurred on two consecutive days. Tokyo expressed serious concern to Beijing and requested measures to prevent a recurrence, said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, the Japanese government's spokesperson, at a news conference. He added that Japan would defend its territory, airspace and waters. Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning, top, and CNS Shandong, bottom, conducting flight operations with J-15 fighter jets in the western Pacific Ocean in early June. Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning, top, and CNS Shandong, bottom, conducting flight operations with J-15 fighter jets in the western Pacific Ocean in early June. Chinese military What People Are Saying Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Thursday: "China's activities in relevant waters and airspace are consistent with international law and international practices." An unnamed spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Japan said on Thursday: "China urges Japan to stop dangerous actions that interfere with China's training activities and to avoid causing unexpected incidents." General Yoshihide Yoshida, the chief of the Japan Joint Staff, said on Thursday: "If we relax our posture, we will encourage attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by (China's) force." Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan's chief cabinet secretary, said on Thursday: "The unusual approach of a Chinese military aircraft could provoke an accidental collision." What Happens Next Japan is likely to continue its surveillance of Chinese military activities near its territory as China's navy and air force expand their reach and presence across the wider Pacific Ocean.
Japan Today
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Japan Today
Japan, China trade barbs over fighter jet maneuvers
China and Japan traded barbs after a Chinese J-15 fighter jet followed a Japanese patrol plane at the weekend. Beijing condemned on Thursday what it called "dangerous behavior" by a Japanese military plane over the Pacific after Tokyo said Chinese fighter jets flew unusually close to its aircraft at the weekend. The Japanese government had complained to China over the incident, in which no Japanese military personnel were reported injured. A Chinese J-15 fighter jet from the Shandong aircraft carrier followed a Japanese P-3C patrol plane for 40 minutes on Saturday, according to the Japanese defense ministry. Two J-15 jets then did the same for 80 minutes on Sunday. "During these long periods, the jets flew unusually close to the P-3C, and they flew within 45 meters" of the patrol plane on both days, an official from the Japanese ministry told AFP. Also on Sunday, Chinese jets cut across airspace around 900 meters ahead of a P-3C Japanese patrol plane at the same altitude -- a distance a P-3C can reach within a few seconds at cruising speed, Tokyo said. "We do not believe that this approach was made by mistake," the Japanese military's chief of staff Yoshihide Yoshida told reporters on Thursday. "Given it happened for 40 minutes and 80 minutes, for two days in a row, our understanding is that it was done on purpose," he said. Beijing's foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian hit back at the Japanese description of the events. "The root cause of the risk to maritime and air security was the close reconnaissance of China's normal military activities by a Japanese warplane," he said. "The Chinese side urges the Japanese side to stop this kind of dangerous behavior." The incident followed the sighting in recent days of two Chinese aircraft carriers sailing in the Pacific simultaneously for the first time. Japan said this week the aircraft carriers' activity -- described by China as "routine training" -- showed the expanding geographic scope of Beijing's military. Yoshida said on Thursday loosening Japan's surveillance, information-gathering or countermeasures against intrusion "would encourage attempts to change the status quo by force". Tokyo's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi earlier told reporters in regard to the fighter jet incident that "such abnormal approaches can lead to an accidental collision, so we have expressed serious concerns" to the Chinese side. U.S. ambassador to Japan George Glass said on social media platform X that the maneuvers by a Chinese fighter "put Japanese crew members' lives in peril". "Whether it's harassing Philippine ships, attacking Vietnamese fishermen, or firing flares at Australian aircraft, Beijing knows only reckless aggression. Not so much a charm offensive as offensive harm," Glass said. Similar incidents were last reported in May and June 2014, when Chinese Su-27 fighter jets flew within 30 meters of Japanese military planes in the East China Sea. Japan summoned the Chinese ambassador at the time, while the two sides traded accusations of blame. Daisuke Kawai, director of the University of Tokyo's economic security and policy innovation program, told AFP this week that the timing of the aircraft carrier movements could be linked to U.S.-China economic tensions. "Beijing calculated that the United States would be less willing or able to respond militarily at this precise moment, seeing it as an opportune time to demonstrate its expanding military capabilities," he said. © 2025 AFP
eNCA
12-06-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Japan, China trade barbs over fighter jet manoeuvres
BEIJING - Beijing condemned what it called "dangerous behaviour" by a Japanese military plane over the Pacific after Tokyo said Chinese fighter jets flew unusually close to its aircraft at the weekend. The Japanese government had complained to China over the incident, in which no Japanese military personnel were reported injured. A Chinese J-15 fighter jet from the Shandong aircraft carrier followed a Japanese P-3C patrol plane for 40 minutes on Saturday, according to the Japanese defence ministry. Two J-15 jets then did the same for 80 minutes on Sunday. "During these long periods, the jets flew unusually close to the P-3C, and they flew within 45 metres" of the patrol plane on both days, an official from the Japanese ministry told AFP. Also on Sunday, Chinese jets cut across airspace around 900 metres ahead of a P-3C Japanese patrol plane at the same altitude -- a distance a P-3C can reach within a few seconds at cruising speed, Tokyo said. "We do not believe that this approach was made by mistake," the Japanese military's chief of staff Yoshihide Yoshida told reporters on Thursday. "Given it happened for 40 minutes and 80 minutes, for two days in a row, our understanding is that it was done on purpose," he said. Beijing's foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian hit back at the Japanese description of the events. "The root cause of the risk to maritime and air security was the close reconnaissance of China's normal military activities by a Japanese warplane," he said.
