Editorial: China’s violation of Japan airspace risks raising tensions, cannot be tolerated

A Chinese military intelligence plane violated Japanese airspace for about two minutes over the Danjo Islands off Nagasaki Prefecture in the country’s southwest. This marks the first confirmed case of a Chinese military aircraft infringing on Japanese airspace. Such actions violate international law and infringe on this country’s sovereignty.

In response, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) scrambled fighter jets and issued a warning to the Chinese plane. The Japanese government lodged a protest with Beijing through diplomatic channels and called for measures to prevent a recurrence. It is essential to continue demanding a detailed explanation.

There is speculation that the aircraft might have been reconnoitering the JASDF’s radar stations in the vicinity. If the incursion was premeditated, that means it was provocative and cannot be tolerated. Even if the aircraft veered off course, the incident occurred in the context of ongoing reconnaissance activities near Japanese airspace. China should refrain from actions that heighten tensions.

Non-military Chinese aircraft have violated Japanese airspace in the past, two of which have been made public, both near the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. In December 2012, shortly after Japan nationalized the Senkakus — controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing — a small propeller aircraft from China’s then State Oceanic Administration was observed flying in the area. In May 2017, an object believed to be a small drone was spotted.

The concern is that such incidents may continue. In fiscal 2023, the JASDF scrambled fighters 669 times in response to potential airspace violations by foreign aircraft, 479 of which — 70% — involved Chinese aircraft.

China’s increased military activity around Japan is partly due to its opposition to Tokyo’s efforts to create a framework to counter Beijing by working with the United States and other nations. Some also view this as a warning against joint exercises with NATO, which have been increasingly focused on Asia.

There have been 46 past reported cases of foreign military aircraft violating Japanese airspace, with the majority — 43 cases — involving Russia, including the former Soviet Union. In 1987, a Soviet reconnaissance aircraft was even fired upon as a warning.

It is crucial to avoid accidental clashes. Last year, Japan and China established a hotline between their defense authorities, and it is imperative to maintain close communication.

Both Tokyo and Beijing must be aware that improving their relationship is in their mutual interests. Both sides must engage in calm dialogue to prevent the situation from worsening further.