Japan concerned over Chinese fighter's approach

TOKYO, June 12 (KUNA) -- Japan on Thursday expressed serious concern about a recent incident in which a Chinese fighter jet flew unusually close to a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) patrol plane over the Pacific Ocean, strongly urging China to prevent the recurrence. "We refrain from making any definite statements about the intentions of the Chinese military's actions, but the unusual approach by Chinese military aircraft could lead to an accidental collision," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a press conference.
"The Japanese government has conveyed serious concerns to the Chinese side through diplomatic and defense channels, including by Vice Japanese Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi to Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao, and strongly demanded prevention of the recurrence," the top government spokesman said. "We will continue to take all possible measures, such as vigilance and surveillance activities in the sea and airspace around our country, in order to resolutely protect our territory, territorial waters, and airspace," Hayashi stressed. He also said that Japan will maintain communication with China at various levels.
According to Japan's Defense Ministry, a Chinese J-15 fighter jet from the Navy's the aircraft carrier Shandong flew as close as 45 meters away from a Japanese MSDF P-3C patrol plane at the same altitude in international waters for about 40 minutes on Saturday. A Chinese J-15 also passed in front of the MSDF P-3C on Sunday at a distance of about 900 meters, it said. The ministry released two photos of the J-15 fighter jet taken on Sunday. (end) mk.aa