Japan has formally lodged a protest with China following a series of "dangerous" aerial maneuvers by Chinese fighter jets near Japanese maritime patrol aircraft over the Pacific Ocean. The incidents occurred last weekend, coinciding with the first known simultaneous deployment of China’s two operational aircraft carriers—Shandong and Liaoning—in the region. The close encounters between military aircraft have raised serious safety concerns and diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

According to a report by Japan’s Kyodo News Agency, the incidents took place on Saturday and Sunday. A Chinese J-15 fighter jet launched from the Shandong aircraft carrier flew within just 45 meters (147 feet) of a Japanese P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft, part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force based in Okinawa. The Japanese aircraft was conducting routine surveillance missions over international waters in the Pacific when these dangerously close maneuvers occurred. On Saturday, a J-15 chased the Japanese plane for approximately 40 minutes, while on Sunday, another chase lasted 80 minutes and involved a near-miss where the Chinese jet crossed just 900 meters in front of the Japanese plane.

Japan’s Defense Ministry described these actions as “abnormal approaches” that could easily lead to accidental mid-air collisions. The ministry released close-up images of the J-15 jet taken during Sunday’s incident and confirmed that, although no physical damage was done and no crew members were harmed, the situation posed a significant safety threat. In response, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, stated that Tokyo had conveyed “serious concern” to the Chinese government and formally requested that such actions not be repeated in the future.

The last reported similar confrontation dates back to May and June of 2014, when Chinese Su-27 fighter jets flew within 30 meters of Japanese military aircraft. This highlights the rarity and severity of the current incidents.

Adding to the tensions, Kyodo also reported that on Monday, the Shandong aircraft carrier conducted takeoff and landing drills to the north of Okinotori Island, which lies within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Liaoning carrier, meanwhile, was spotted inside the EEZ on Saturday before exiting the area and also carrying out similar exercises on Sunday. These movements are seen by Japanese authorities as provocative, especially given the proximity to Japanese territory and the ongoing aerial confrontations.

Japan’s government emphasized that it will continue monitoring the airspace around its territories vigilantly and maintain open lines of communication with Beijing to avoid future conflicts. The Defense Ministry's statement and the diplomatic protest underscore Tokyo’s growing unease with China’s expanding military presence and aggressive behavior in the western Pacific.

Overall, these incidents have not only escalated military tensions but have also triggered broader diplomatic concerns, as both nations seek to balance national security interests with regional stability. The risk of miscalculation or unintended escalation remains high, underscoring the importance of clear communication and adherence to international norms during military operations.