Rising Skies: Japan and China Exchange Protests Over Airspace Breaches

The long-standing territorial dispute between Japan and China flared up once again over the East China Sea. Both nations are accusing each other of violating airspace around the contentious islands.

Japan lodged a harsh complaint after a Chinese coast guard helicopter reportedly entered Japanese airspace from a vessel near the Senkaku Islands, which Japan administers but China claims.

According to Japan’s Foreign Ministry, the helicopter hovered within Japanese skies for approximately 15 minutes. The ministry labeled the incident a serious intrusion and called for China to enact stricter control measures.

In reaction, Japan's Air Self-Defense Force deployed fighter jets to counter the intrusion, a move confirmed by the country’s Defense Ministry.

Meanwhile, China responded with its own accusation, saying a Japanese civilian plane had entered Chinese airspace. The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo voiced strong discontent, calling the incident a blatant violation of China's sovereignty.

Chinese authorities stated they promptly responded by sending a helicopter to issue a warning and drive the plane away, asserting the operation complied with Chinese law.

Japan is currently analyzing whether the Chinese helicopter’s incursion was linked to the presence of the Japanese aircraft in the vicinity. Tensions remain high as China frequently sends vessels and aircraft to the region, often prompting rapid Japanese military reactions.