Kochi: Tension is growing between Japan and China over Beijing’s military movements in the Pacific near Tokyo, BBC said.
Japan had lodged a protest with Beijing over
two Chinese aircraft carriers Shandong and Liaoning conducting military movements since May 25.
A few Chinese fighter jets came close to Japanese surveillance planes, leading to Tokyo lodging its “serious concerns” to Beijing which said its activities are consistent with international law.
Japan does not usually disclose details of foreign militaries’ movements.
The Chinese carriers were coming close to Japanese islands and Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
Liaoning became the first Chinese aircraft carrier to sail past the “second island chain”, a line of defence outlined in US foreign policy doctrine that connects Japan to Guam.
Japan said it had observed over 500 landings and take-offs of Chinese fighter jets and helicopters during the drills.
China accused Japan of causing maritime and air security risks by conducting close-in reconnaissance on China’s normal military activities.
Photo:X
