Tensions in the Asia-Pacific region escalated on Monday as Japan scrambled fighter jets in response to a Chinese military aircraft violating its airspace. This marks the first known airspace violation by a Chinese military plane in the region, raising concerns about China’s increasing assertiveness.
The incident, which occurred near the disputed Senkaku Islands, has prompted a strong protest from Japan. Deputy Foreign Minister Masataka Okano summoned China’s acting ambassador to express concerns and demand measures to prevent future occurrences.
Read: China Raises Concerns Over U.S. Missile Deployment In Philippines, Citing Regional Stability Risks
The defense ministry released a photograph of the encountered plane.
This event follows a recent incident where the U.S. military intercepted Russian and Chinese bombers near Alaska, highlighting growing military cooperation between the two nations and raising alarm among the U.S. and its allies about China’s military ambitions.
Japan has been strengthening its defenses in response to China’s growing military activity in the region, including reinforcing defenses of southwestern Japan and increasing military cooperation with the United States and other allies.
Read: Beijing Threatens Retaliation Against U.S. Over Sanctions On Chinese Companies Supporting Russia
Experts suggest that Chinese aircraft may have been probing Japan’s air defense network and collecting electronic intelligence.
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