Fri Jul 11 02:52:12 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Japan has accused China of flying fighter jets dangerously close to its intelligence-gathering aircraft in the East China Sea. The Japanese Defence Ministry reported that a Chinese JH-7 fighter-bomber approached within 30 meters (98 feet) of a Japanese YS-11EB aircraft on multiple occasions. Japan’s Foreign Ministry has lodged a formal complaint with the Chinese Ambassador, expressing “serious concern” and urging China to prevent accidental collisions. This incident follows similar accusations traded by both countries last month regarding close encounters between their aircraft over the Pacific Ocean. Japan is increasingly concerned about China’s military expansion, particularly in its southwestern regions.

**News Article:**

**Japan Accuses China of Dangerous Airspace Provocations**

*Tokyo, July 11, 2025* – Japan has formally demanded that China cease what it describes as dangerously close encounters between Chinese fighter jets and Japanese intelligence-gathering aircraft in the East China Sea. According to the Japanese Defence Ministry, a Chinese JH-7 fighter-bomber approached within a mere 30 meters (98 feet) of a YS-11EB aircraft belonging to the Japan Air Self-Defence Force on Wednesday and Thursday. The incidents occurred outside Japanese airspace.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry summoned Chinese Ambassador Wu Jianghao, with Vice Minister Takehiro Funakoshi expressing “serious concern” over the provocative actions. Japan is calling on China to take immediate steps to prevent accidental collisions and guarantee that such events will not be repeated.

The incident is the latest in a series of escalating tensions in the region. Last month, both countries exchanged accusations after a close encounter over the Pacific Ocean, where Chinese aircraft carriers were observed operating.

Japan is growing increasingly alarmed by China’s accelerating military build-up, particularly in areas near Japan’s southwestern territories. While China has yet to comment on this specific instance, Beijing has previously accused Japan of spying on its military activities.

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