MOD protests over harassment by Japanese F-15s
- By Chen Boyuan
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E-mail China.org.cn, December 12, 2016
The Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MOD) has expressed "serious concern" over Japanese F-15 fighter jets harassing Chinese military jets, which were flying over the Miyako Strait heading for routine training in the western Pacific.
![Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MOD), takes questions at a routine press briefing on Nov.30, 2016. [Photo by Chen Boyuan / China.org.cn]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20161212/b8aeed990a5819b84bd50a.JPG "Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MOD), takes questions at a routine press briefing on Nov.30, 2016. [Photo by Chen Boyuan / China.org.cn]") |
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Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MOD), takes questions at a routine press briefing on Nov. 30, 2016. [File Photo by Chen Boyuan / China.org.cn] |
Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, spokesperson for the MOD, said on Dec. 10 that Chinese military aircraft were flying to the western Pacific for routine training over the Miyako Strait on the morning of Dec. 10 when two F-15 fighter jets from the Japan Self-Defense Force (SDF) harassed Chinese aircraft from close range.
"F-15 jets launched decoy flares, which caused a threat to Chinese aircraft and personnel. The act prompted PLA Air Force pilots to take prompt countermeasures," said Yang. He added Chinese aircraft continued with their planned exercise.
The Miyako Strait is an international channel, where Chinese aircraft can enjoy freedom of flight. Yang said that the air force’s training was a routine procedure and did not target any particular country or goal.
"The act by Japanese military aircraft was dangerous and unprofessional. They jeopardized the freedom of navigation. China hereby expresses serious concern and lodges solemn representations," he said.
He noted that harassment by Japanese military vessels and aircraft in recent years is prone to cause miscalculation, which might have led to maritime and air frictions and even confrontation. He urged Japan to view the big picture of preserving regional stability and China-Japan relations, take effective measures and prevent causing maritime and air security issues.
The MOD spokesperson did not elaborate on the number or types of Chinese military aircraft participating in the drill, or the route they followed.
Earlier on Nov. 25, the PLA Air Force made an unprecedented move to send military aircraft over the Bashi Strait and the Miyako Strait – at the same time – for a routine drill in the western Pacific.
Although the air force made it clear that the simultaneous fly overs were part of the PLA's prearranged training plan, military experts interpreted that the PLA Air Force now has the capacity to respond to warfare in two different waters.
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