Japan–China Tensions Over Fighter Jet Incident in Pacific
(UPSC Prelims – International Relations, Geography; Mains GS-II – Bilateral Relations, Indo-Pacific Security)
What Happened?
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Japan accused China of unsafe aerial behaviour after:
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A Chinese J-15 fighter jet (from the Shandong aircraft carrier) approached a Japanese P-3C reconnaissance aircraft at a dangerously close distance of 45 metres for 40 minutes .
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Another Chinese jet crossed 900 metres in front of a Japanese aircraft and remained nearby for 80 minutes (Sunday).
Strategic Geography:
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Iwo Jima: ~1,200 km south of Tokyo
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Minamitorishima: Japan’s easternmost island
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Region is close to disputed East China Sea islands and within reach of U.S. military base at Guam
UPSC Relevance:
Prelims:
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Locate: Iwo Jima, Minamitorishima, East China Sea, Guam
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Aircraft types: J-15 (China), P-3C (Japan)
Mains (GS-II):
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Japan–China relations and military tensions in Indo-Pacific
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Importance of freedom of navigation, EEZs, and airspace safety
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Rising maritime assertiveness of China and regional implications