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Japan calls Chinese aircraft incursion serious violation; no comment from Beijing

61 Comments
By Natsuko FUKUE

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61 Comments
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I thought China only wanted peace with it’s neighbors and it was the pesky Americans causing all the trouble? I’m sure there will be a deep sincere apology from the CCP on this matter, right?

15 ( +28 / -13 )

Yup, testing the waters as they say.

Too bad THEY didn’t fire some flairs, that would be something

to see on the internet.

9 ( +17 / -8 )

why the quotes around violated?

17 ( +22 / -5 )

Flares have now been designated a weapon. Curious the timing and all.

It said steps such as "issuing warnings" to the aircraft were taken. Broadcaster NHK reported that no weapons, such as flare guns

-7 ( +7 / -14 )

Important to observe a Japanese naval unit made a brazen, deliberate and provocative move into Chinese waters to spy on a military exercise about a month ago. There was little apology for that.

Classic CCP whataboutism. The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea states that all ships have the right to transit the territorial waters of another state without conducting activities that would undermine the security of the coastal state.

This sounds like a sensible defensive move in response, against a country with a proven track record of mass-militarism, denialism and revisionist white-washing of the mass atrocities.

So you agree it was an aggressive move by China, you’re just now giving excuses for its aggression. I’m glad we both agree

5 ( +14 / -9 )

An act of war from "peaceful" XiXiPee.

9 ( +19 / -10 )

Flares have now been designated a weapon. Curious the timing and all.

Flares aren’t weapons? Why don’t you go buy a flare gun and shoot yourself with it. Please report back with the results. I’m sure you’ll be fine seeing as it’s “not a weapon”

-5 ( +7 / -12 )

Flares are used to warn intruding vessels, planes, etc. not to do any damage. Rocks are potentially dangerous too. Just be smart enough to not drop one on your foot.

-2 ( +10 / -12 )

Shoot it down. Only language the CCP understands.

Moderator: This message is to inform you that your comment is featured in the latest "Japan This Week" podcast.

12 ( +20 / -8 )

I'm guessing a disagreement on where the boundary exists. Japan and China will work it out. Expect many more flights off the Japan coast now that Japan has taken on the role of monitoring the Chinese navy in international waters.

why the quotes around violated?

-4 ( +9 / -13 )

Flares are used to warn intruding vessels, planes, etc. not to do any damage. 

They will definitely do damage if you hit someone with one, no?

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

"Yep, testing the waters as they say."

Yeah, and it looks like they're testing the waters everywhere.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

That's why flares are released to be visible to an encroaching plane but are not released in its flight path. Seems simple enough to me.

They will definitely do damage if you hit someone with one, no?

-5 ( +8 / -13 )

That's why flares are released to be visible to an encroaching plane but are not released in its flight path. Seems simple enough to me.

Then why is China shooting them at planes from the Philippines?

0 ( +9 / -9 )

I would suggest Japan Defense Forces to be more creative. They could prepare recorded messages or hire Chinese fluent speakers to send warm welcome messages to the Chinese crew of airplanes, welcoming them to Japan, inviting them to land and enjoy Japanese hospitality, and even grant asylum. They could be as Viktor Belenko, the Russian pilot who deserted. Viktor Ivanovich Belenko ,February 15, 1947 – September 24, 2023) was a Russian-born American aerospace engineer and Soviet pilot who defected in 1976 to the West while flying his MiG-25 "Foxbat" jet interceptor and landed in Hakodate, Japan. George H. W. Bush, the Director of Central Intelligence at the time, called the opportunity to examine the plane up close an "intelligence bonanza" for the West. Belenko later became a U.S. aerospace engineer

Moderator: This message is to inform you that your comment is featured in the latest "Japan This Week" podcast.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

It gets increasingly absurd to describe China's rise as peaceful, despite the best efforts of the apologists' whataboutery.

6 ( +13 / -7 )

Japan’s defense ministry describes this as the first known incursion by China’s military into its territorial airspace.

Japan is indeed cool headed and will not let this escalate.

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

I wonder if this is China indirectly thumbing its nose at the USA?

China's obviously not going to fly thousands of miles to intentionally violate US airspace, and less so given the US' military power. But by doing so to a known US ally (which happens to be relatively nearby), maybe they're starting a game of "ring the bell and run away" like kids who want to see how far they can push the adults.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

Those antagonistic Chinese at it again with Japan and the Philippines. The stupid Chinese are just itching for something to happen

7 ( +12 / -5 )

A first known entry of a military aircraft into Japan’s territorial airspace with just another “urging” in response is calm on the one hand but reveals a delineation of Japan’s border is what the Morning Show ハットリシンイチ panelists are saying.

-13 ( +1 / -14 )

This wont be the last of course, China is testing Japan so the next time this happens Japan should do the same.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

This reminds me of the US spy plane EP-3 that collided with a Chinese fighter jet close to their shore in 2001 and had to crash land in China. They crew tried to fry all of the electronics and burn intel as much as they could before crash landing but was an intelligence bonanza for the Chinese when they took control of the plane on the tarmac.

https://www.businessinsider.com/us-ep3-spy-plane-collision-mistakes-chinese-intel-coup-2023-3?op=1

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Expect many more flights off the Japan coast now that Japan has taken on the role of monitoring the Chinese navy in international waters.

So China shouldn't be complaining when ships from other countries sail through the Taiwan Strait?

The Strait is international waters!!

Only from 2018, without any international agreement, China has been saying it isn't.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

So China shouldn't be complaining when ships from other countries sail through the Taiwan Strait?

They say if you can’t beat them join them. Control of the air first says China.

-15 ( +2 / -17 )

Of course it's all hysterical hype.

And the warmongers and anti-communists who never met a war they didn't love are beating their chests (when they're not bowing to the US).

"Japan, staunchly pacifist for decades, has ramped up defense spending with U.S. encouragement"

Why is the Japanese media, especially NHK, hyping a minor 2 minute alleged airspace violation on the very edge of Japan airspace surrounding islands a good distance from the mainland? NHK's editorial line is the same as the LDP. Kishida recently, as Japan Today reported, urged the LDP to make revising the constitution a top priority. Hence the non-stop anti-China hysteria in the news.

NHK gave this airspace story the top spot in the evening news above Typhoon 10. Neither NHK nor the LDP militarists care in the least about the welfare of the people in Japan. They care only about their selfish, foolish geo-political scheming.

-14 ( +5 / -19 )

Thank you China! Thank you for helping the LDP sell the defense build to the Japanese people. Thank you!

4 ( +9 / -5 )

I'm guessing a disagreement on where the boundary exists.

@deanzaZZR There is no dispute in this area! Please have a look at a map before commenting!

10 ( +11 / -1 )

The source is Taiwan Plus News, pro ROC/Taiwan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS2EmGOz2pQ

Then why is China shooting them at planes from the Philippines?

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

That’s a proper response to the brief incursion of China's Zhejiang territorial waters by a Japanese warship in July this year. People brainwashed by the media have already forgotten about that, haven't you ,or chose to ignore it.

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

What are the inverted quotes for? China either VIOLATED Japan's sovereign airspace, or they did not.

(And they did) Just like they do everyone else's airspace and EEZ. China's disregard for the Rule of Law is all Asia's, and indeed, the entire World's, problem. China drives the World into Opposition. They need to be taught a lesson, like every bloated schoolyard bully does.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

That’s a proper response to the brief incursion of China's Zhejiang territorial waters by a Japanese warship in July this year. People brainwashed by the media have already forgotten about that, haven't you ,or chose to ignore it.

That's rigth Japan. You've gotta be able to take it if you dish it.

-12 ( +4 / -16 )

A lot of bizarre CCP support today. Hmmm. Including the inevitable whataboutery. It seems to be the peak of Chinese argumentation. They seem to believe it is a legitimate line.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

China can enter Japanese airspace and commit all sorts of "violations" because it knows Japan is notorious for just "warning and "condemning"; basically, they're gonna keep letting it slide over and over and over again.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

China: Flies into Japan airspace

Japan: China-niichan, what are you doing?

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

 They seem to believe it is a legitimate line.

What aboutism is not an acceptable argument. The underlying principle of the CCP, imo, is reciprocity. They will mirror what you do. Go into Zhejiang territorial waters and flying into Japan's airspace seem to be justifiable. Ban the export of your chips and they will ban the import of your fish.

But the IAEA says?!... If you want to sell your fish, sell your chips. I would wager that is how the negotiations would start.

Japan understands this. They are just caught between two superpowers or two bullies.

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

If you want a country to spend billions on weapons it does not need and change it's constitution from peace to war to please it's master, you first need to create a boogeyman.

The Us will be "testing" Chinese airspace on a regular basis. Its all part of the game. Nothing to see here, move on.

-7 ( +5 / -12 )

clearly it’s a violation and those CCP terrorist know that there is no penalty for it. Japan will just lodge complains and downside to it. How about forcing it to land capture the pilot and check out what data they have collected on that spy mission

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

China victimize themselves over this and probably just tell their people that the Japanese military is bullying them in China airspace. Lying and propaganda is so easy when you have no freedom of press and complete censorship over media.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

Broadcaster NHK reported that no weapons, such as flare guns, were used as an alert.

Oh, you mean like the chinese did last week

1 ( +4 / -3 )

The Chinese diplomat said in response that the matter would be reported to Beijing, according to the ministry. There was no immediate official comment from Beijing.

Wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall and see how these diplomatic ‘dressing downs’ take place? Does the diplomat come in all smiles and then gets a stern talking too. Do they come as a team?

They must all know it’s kabuki too, all while trying to find some sort of utility in their strained conversations. Must be fascinating. Is there some sort of bargaining and compromise on the table? How many layers of nuance are in their words? Is there a code?? Do these conversations ever get released?

Wonder if there was a ‘ so sorry for the incursion’ involved, our pilots thought they were in their legal zone sort of backtracking and denial, or do they just flat up deny it? All seems like a big game of cat and mouse. Hopefully it just stays a game.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

CCP looking to cause more trouble in the region. Typical of the government of PRC.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

All this fuss over a mere 2 minutes.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Tokyo itself effectively authorized this by staging that provocation with a navy ship into Chinese waters a few months ago.

Keep in mind, this was an innocent 2 minute thing versus Tokyo's 30 minute foray to surveil a live fire drill, in which the vessel intentionally sped up and ignored radio warnings.

Tokyo playing the victim card (again) is a total cop out.

-9 ( +4 / -13 )

China issues so many different versions of maps, their own military does not even keep it straight.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Tokyo itself effectively authorized this by staging that provocation with a navy ship into Chinese waters a few months ago.

Keep in mind, this was an innocent 2 minute thing versus Tokyo's 30 minute foray to surveil a live fire drill, in which the vessel intentionally sped up and ignored radio warnings.

You did it to us, so we will do it to you. My was for only 2 minutes but yours was 30 minutes!!

Yes, that a great child-like analysis!!

The world knows what China is doing, if it's not Japanese airspace, it's the territorial waters of the Philippines or off the coast of Alaska in the Bering Sea.

The image of China in the world is created by it's own behavior!

3 ( +7 / -4 )

A Harris-Walz administration will know how to handle this. Walz is an old China hand having been there over 30 times since the late ‘80s.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

A Harris-Walz administration will know how to handle this. Walz is an old China hand having been there over 30 times since the late ‘80s.

Yes. They would probably encourage China.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Right, because when the Chinese air force decides to pop by for an unannounced visit in our airspace, the best we can do is roll out the red carpet of bureaucracy. "Oh no, you shouldn't have! Here, have a strongly worded statement!" Brilliant stuff. 

That's why every country needs to have its own strong military. Japan's mindset of depending on the U.S. is to blame. Japan is not going to do anything about the Senkaku's and future incursions. They are just passively waiting on the U.S. to make a move. If the U.S. keeps quiet, what is Japan going to do?

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

You did it to us, so we will do it to you. My was for only 2 minutes but yours was 30 minutes!!

Yes, that a great child-like analysis!!

It's actually simple. If you think it is okay to then if must be okay for us as well. It is reciprocity and the Silver Rule of Confucius: do not do unto others what you would not like others to do unto you. The Golden rule half a millenium later is: do unto others what you would like others to do unto you.

So Japan, don't go into Chinese territory and cry about it when they fly into yours. Don't ban the sale of chips for political reasons and they won't ban your fish for political reasons. Treat others the same way you'd like to be treated. Nothing like a good ol fashion preaching from the CPC.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Americans need to leave the territory of Japan and the nearest islands of China and Russia. And after that, the Pacific space will be quiet and calm.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

rivx is correct, but ....

Next time, force the plane down, hold the crew for 3 days before allowing any diplomats access, hold the crew until a "letter of two sorries" from the CCP is formally provided, and take the aircraft apart. Never return the aircraft. You know, like the CCP did in 2001.

Japan shouldn't expect any other country to patrol it's different types of borders. Nobody wants the US to be a cop in Japan. Not the Japanese and definitely not the US.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

China is a country that is trouble, its a lost country being led by a rabid panda who has lost his mind and will soon be thrown out by his own people in a matter of time. The people are getting fed up and XI who is more corrupt than most in the CCP will be thrown out in order for the CCP to remain in power.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

A lot of bizarre CCP support today. Hmmm. Including the inevitable whataboutery.

Yeah, your average CCP shill comment boils down to “China is peaceful but if we did something aggressive it’s because you deserve it”

3 ( +3 / -0 )

nikAug. 27 10:40 pm JST

Americans need to leave the territory of Japan and the nearest islands of China and Russia. And after that, the Pacific space will be quiet and calm.

You don't seem to be in a position to make that happen.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

AnonymousAug. 27 07:34 pm JST

A Harris-Walz administration will know how to handle this. Walz is an old China hand having been there over 30 times since the late ‘80s.

I agree. He will be well familiar with how the disgusting CCP operates and has gotten worse.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I curious, when you use the word 'our' are you using it because you are a Japanese citizen or because you are USA military?

Right, because when the Chinese air force decides to pop by for an unannounced visit in our airspace

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Just China interfering in Japan's coming election of new LDP leader. They want a puppet they can play with...who could that be I wonder?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I curious, when you use the word 'our' are you using it because you are a Japanese citizen or because you are USA military?

Does it bother you that the world is becoming increasingly united and steadfast against the belligerent shenanigans of China?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Next time , shoot it down.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

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