The Japan-China near miss incident over the Pacific has heightened tensions between the two countries. On Thursday, China blamed Japan for close reconnaissance flights and vessel passages near Chinese military activities. State media reported Beijing’s criticism of Tokyo’s actions.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Japanese vessels and aircraft had conducted “close-in reconnaissance” against China’s normal military operations. He called this behavior the root cause of maritime and air security risks. Lin urged Japan to stop these dangerous activities immediately.
The incident occurred a day after Japan reported a “near miss” between a Chinese fighter jet and a Japanese patrol plane. The Japanese Defense Ministry said a Chinese fighter jet flew dangerously close—just 45 meters (about 148 feet)—to a Japanese Self-Defense Forces patrol plane. The Chinese jet had taken off from a moving aircraft carrier before the close encounter.
China insists its military activities in the area comply fully with international law and practices. Lin emphasized that China’s defense operations respect international norms and that Japan’s claims were unfounded.
Despite the tension, Lin added that the defense departments of both countries are maintaining communication through existing channels. This ongoing dialogue aims to manage risks and avoid further incidents. The Japan-China near miss incident highlights the fragile security environment in the Pacific. Both sides accuse each other of provocative actions. Analysts warn that such close encounters could escalate if not carefully managed.
Japan’s Defense Ministry has expressed concern about China’s increasing military activities near Japanese waters. Meanwhile, China accuses Japan of interfering with its military exercises. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely. Both countries face pressure to maintain peace and stability in the region while asserting their military presence.
