Japan's Ministry of Defense reports Chinese military aircraft and drones operating in the East China Sea airspace, prompting emergency response by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

[Japan Ministry of Defense: Chinese Military Aircraft Conduct Reconnaissance Flight over East China Sea]

According to information from the Japan Ministry of Defense's Joint Staff Office on June 12, 2026: In the afternoon of June 12, a Chinese military Y-9 intelligence-gathering aircraft was confirmed flying in from the direction of mainland China, operating over the East China Sea and proceeding south of the Noto Islands near Nagasaki Prefecture, then turning southwestward and flying near the main island of Okinawa before changing course toward the northeast. Subsequently, it altered its heading again south of the Noto Islands and headed back toward mainland China.

Additionally, during the same afternoon, a TB-001 reconnaissance/attack drone was confirmed approaching from the East China Sea. After changing direction near the Noto Islands area and continuing southward, it turned again near the main island of Okinawa and ultimately flew back toward mainland China.

In response, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Western Air Defense Command and other units urgently dispatched fighter jets for interception and monitoring.

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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867799226844555/

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