TOKYO – Japan accuse a spy plane China violated its airspace. This is the first time a Chinese aircraft has directly violated Japanese airspace.

Japan scrambled fighter jets after a Y-9 reconnaissance aircraft violated the territorial airspace of the Danjo Islands at 11:29 a.m. local time Monday (02:29 GMT).

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary called the violations completely unacceptable and summoned a Chinese embassy official in Tokyo in protest.

The incident comes as tensions rise in the region, where China is competing for influence against the United States (US) and its allies, including Japan.

There has been no official response from Beijing. The attack on Monday (8/26/2024) lasted two minutes and Japan issued a notice and warning to the Chinese aircraft.