Japan’s Defence Ministry said a Chinese J-15 fighter jet operating from the aircraft carrier Shandong closed to within about 45 metres of a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C patrol aircraft over international waters in the Pacific on 7 June and again on 8 June. During the two encounters, the Chinese jet shadowed the Japanese plane for roughly 40 minutes on the first day and 80 minutes on the second, at one point cutting across the P-3C’s flight path about 900 metres ahead while armed with missiles. Tokyo characterised the manoeuvres as “abnormal approaches” that risked an accidental collision and lodged a formal protest with Beijing on 11 June. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Japan had expressed “serious concern” and demanded measures to prevent a recurrence. Joint Staff Chief Gen. Yoshida cautioned that such incidents could trigger unintended clashes if left unchecked. China rejected the criticism. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the People’s Liberation Army’s activities were fully consistent with international law and blamed what he called Japan’s “close-in reconnaissance” for creating safety risks. The Chinese Defence Ministry issued its own protest, urging Tokyo to halt what it described as provocative surveillance flights. The encounter occurred as two Chinese aircraft carriers—the Shandong and a second flattop—were observed conducting simultaneous drills in the western Pacific for the first time, underscoring Beijing’s expanding blue-water capabilities. The episode has heightened regional tensions, adding to broader concerns over military brinkmanship in the Pacific.