Japanese officials are closely monitoring China to see if the country keeps its promise to prevent further violations of Japan’s airspace after a Chinese military aircraft unintentionally incursion into Japanese airspace nearly three months ago. China explained that the violation was caused by turbulence, and Tokyo protested and sought an explanation from Beijing. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said China acknowledged the violation and assured Japan that efforts would be made to prevent a recurrence. Japanese officials are wary and will closely watch Chinese military activity moving forward.
Even though China claimed the airspace violation was unintentional due to turbulence, Japanese officials find the deviation from the flight route to be unacceptable as it was a serious breach of territorial sovereignty. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian did not confirm the information provided by Japanese officials, stating that only the diplomatic and defense ministries of the two countries have been communicating on the issue. Japan has concerns over China’s increasing military activity in its southwestern waters and airspace, prompting Tokyo to reinforce its defenses in the region. There is also worry about joint military activities between China and Russia.
Chinese survey ships have violated Japanese territorial waters in the past, with incidents in August involving a Chinese survey ship infringing on Japanese territorial waters off a southern island. In September, the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and two destroyers sailed between Japan’s westernmost island of Yonaguni and nearby Iriomote, entering Japan’s “contiguous zone.” This area is just outside a country’s territorial waters, where it can still exercise some control over maritime traffic. Japanese officials remain vigilant in monitoring China’s military activities in the region, given the growing concerns over territorial violations and increasing joint military exercises between China and Russia.
Japan has been bolstering its defenses in response to China’s growing military presence near its waters and airspace. Tokyo has expressed concerns over China’s activities, especially in areas surrounding remote islands that are crucial to Japan’s defense strategy. Japanese officials are closely watching any movements by Chinese military aircraft or vessels, as any violations of Japanese airspace or waters are taken seriously. Japan and the Philippines have signed a defense agreement prompted by mutual concerns over China’s activities, further highlighting the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among regional allies against potential threats.
Japanese officials are uneasy about China and Russia’s joint military activities, adding to existing concerns over China’s escalating military presence and territorial violations. Tokyo has significantly reinforced defenses in response to these growing threats and is closely monitoring any moves by Chinese military forces near its territory. Japan is investing in stronger defense strategies to protect its sovereignty and national security interests, especially in remote island regions considered essential to its defense measures. The signing of defense agreements with neighboring countries reflects the shared concerns over China’s activities and the importance of collaboration in maintaining regional security and stability.
