Japan says Chinese fighter-bombers came within 30 metre of its spy aircraft
Japan accuses Chinese warplanes of coming within metres of its aircraft
- Chinese fighter jets reportedly flew dangerously close to Japanese surveillance aircraft over the East China Sea on two separate occasions this week.
- The incidents involved Chinese JH-7 fighter-bombers approaching Japan Air Self-Defence Force YS-11EB electronic intelligence planes within 30 metres.
- Tokyo has lodged a formal diplomatic protest, describing the actions as "abnormal" and posing a significant risk of mid-air collision.
- Japan's vice foreign minister, Takehiro Funakoshi, summoned the Chinese ambassador to demand a halt to such manoeuvres.
- These encounters follow previous close passes by Chinese military aircraft and an increase in Chinese naval activity in the region, including joint exercises.