Japan's SDF chief expresses concern about Chinese fighter's abnormal proximity
The Defense Ministry said the Maritime SDF's P-3C aircraft was followed by a Chinese fighter during its surveillance flight over the Pacific around Japan on Saturday and Sunday. It said that at one point in time the Chinese fighter approached with an abnormal proximity of about 45 meters.
Yoshida Yoshihide, chief of staff of the SDF Joint Staff, told reporters on Thursday that he does not think the Chinese fighter jet got so close by mistake, and said the abnormal approach is a serious act that could induce an accidental collision.
Yoshida noted that the SDF must be vigilant as the Chinese military expands its area of movement and intensifies its activities. He added that a sense of crisis is intensifying.
He stressed the importance of the SDF to constantly demonstrate its will and capability to prevent any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force.
Yoshida declined to comment on whether defense officials communicated on a hotline with their Chinese counterparts regarding this matter.
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