A Japanese maritime patrol aircraft was intercepted at close range by Chinese fighter jets launched from the aircraft carrier Shandong over the western Pacific, prompting criticism from Tokyo.
The incident involved a J-15 fighter jet flying as close as 45 meters (147 feet) from a Japanese Self-Defense Force P-3C Orion on Saturday morning, according to Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
The aircraft, operating out of the Shandong, conducted what Japan described as an “abnormal and dangerous” approach during an ongoing surveillance mission.
Later that same day, a second encounter occurred, with another J-15 passing in front of the Japanese aircraft at the same altitude and at a distance of about 900 meters (2,953 feet). Although no damage or injuries were reported, Japanese officials said the actions raised the risk of midair collision and expressed “serious concern.”
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi urged Beijing to prevent similar incidents in the future, warning that “close encounters of this nature can result in unintended collisions.” Hayashi’s remarks were echoed by the Japanese Defense Ministry, which emphasized that its patrol flights were conducted in international airspace.
In response, China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed Japan’s complaints, accusing Tokyo of endangering safety through close surveillance. Spokesman Lin Jian said the patrol flights were “the root cause of the risk to maritime and air security,” and reiterated that China’s activities “are fully consistent with international law and practices.”
Photos taken from the Japanese aircraft showed Chinese jets flying in proximity, with at least one visibly armed with air-to-air missiles.
2/2 Japan’s defence ministry said: ‘Such unusual approaches by Chinese military aircraft could induce accidental collisions, & we expressed serious concern [to China) strongly requested that they be prevented from recurring.’ No JMSDF aircraft or personnel were damaged/harmed. pic.twitter.com/K1BAoI4oXh
— Warships IFR (@WarshipsIFR) June 12, 2025
These encounters coincided with rare dual aircraft carrier drills by China’s navy, featuring both the Shandong and the Liaoning, operating beyond the so-called first and second island chains for the first time.
The drills were observed inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), with the Shandong conducting flight operations southeast of Okinawa’s Miyako Island and the Liaoning spotted southwest of Minamitori Island.
China’s state media described the maneuvers as testing the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s capabilities in “far-sea defense and joint operations.”
The dual-carrier operation marks a significant expansion of Chinese naval activity into the broader Pacific. The First Island Chain has historically served as a containment perimeter for China.
