Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed deep disappointment over Russia’s denial of an alleged airspace violation near Hokkaido during a press conference in Tokyo. Moscow claimed its military aircraft did not breach Japanese airspace, with the Russian Foreign Ministry rejecting Japan’s protest.
Japan accused Russia of intruding its airspace north of Rebun Island multiple times, prompting the Air Self-Defense Force to fire a signal flare. Tensions between Japan and Russia have escalated since the invasion of Ukraine, with Tokyo imposing economic sanctions in solidarity with other countries.
In a separate incident, Japan confirmed a Chinese military spy plane violated its airspace for the first time in August. The plane flew over waters in the East China Sea near Nagasaki Prefecture. These airspace violations highlight growing concerns over regional security and territorial integrity.
Despite diplomatic efforts to address these incursions, the disputes underscore the challenges facing Japan’s defense forces in maintaining sovereignty and protecting national interests.
© KYODO