A Chinese J-15 fighter jet narrowly avoided a collision with a Japanese military aircraft in international airspace over the Pacific, prompting Tokyo to issue a stern warning to Beijing amid escalating regional tensions.
According to Japan’s Defence Ministry, the incident occurred when a fighter launched from the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong flew within approximately 45 metres of a Japan Self-Defence Forces (SDF) patrol aircraft. The dangerously close encounter happened over the weekend, during Chinese naval drills that involved dual aircraft carrier groups operating in the Pacific.
Japan’s top government spokesperson, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, expressed “serious concern” over the close approach, warning it could have led to a mid-air collision. He called on China to take preventative measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
In response, China’s foreign ministry dismissed Japan’s complaints, accusing Tokyo of conducting provocative surveillance near routine Chinese military operations. Spokesperson Lin Jian claimed the Japanese aircraft was responsible for the risky situation, stating Beijing “urges Japan to halt such dangerous behavior.”
Japan’s Defence Ministry also reported other hazardous actions by the J-15 fighter, including flying in front of a Japanese aircraft at the same altitude from a distance of around 900 metres. While no damage or injuries were reported, officials described the encounters as “abnormal approaches” and part of a pattern of escalating aerial brinkmanship.
This near-miss is the latest in a string of confrontations involving Chinese military aircraft across the Indo-Pacific. Over recent months, nations including Australia, the Philippines, the United States, and Canada have lodged complaints over what they describe as unsafe maneuvers by Chinese pilots.
The recent incident occurred during China’s largest show of naval force in the region to date. The Shandong and Liaoning aircraft carriers participated in coordinated drills, including fighter jet and helicopter operations, within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This marks the first known deployment of Chinese carriers beyond the so-called second island chain, a strategic line extending to U.S. territories such as Guam.
Beijing insists its military activities are lawful and defensive in nature. Chinese officials claim the drills are meant to test joint operations and long-range capabilities, and are not directed at any specific country. However, analysts view these moves as part of China’s growing effort to project military power further from its shores.
Japan’s Defence Minister, Gen Nakatani, acknowledged the increased threat, noting that China appears to be enhancing the operational capabilities of its carriers and preparing for missions far from its mainland.
Meanwhile, Chinese state media have accused Japan of undermining its pacifist constitution through new military initiatives. Tokyo’s plans to deploy advanced missile systems to Kyushu and expand its defense procurement were labeled “confrontational,” with warnings that such steps could destabilize regional peace.
As Beijing pushes to assert its presence across the East and South China Seas, especially around disputed territories and Taiwan, incidents like this near-miss highlight the rising stakes in the Pacific’s increasingly volatile security environment.
