Japanese jets chasing off Chinese drones show the island nation won't back off from a fight

Demonstrating heightened vigilance, Japan dispatched a fighter jet to monitor a Chinese BZK-005 military drone that was observed conducting surveillance in the airspace between Japan's Yonaguni Island and Taiwan, as reported by Reuters.

The reconnaissance drone, originating from the East China Sea (north of Taiwan), proceeded towards the Bashi Channel, a demarcation line between Taiwan's southern coast and the Philippines, earlier today (August 28).

This incident closely follows another encounter on Friday, August 25, when Japan scrambled its Air Self-Defense Force fighters in response to Chinese bombers and drones flying near Japan's Okinawa Island and Taiwan.

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Friday's escalation

• Okinawa, a strategically positioned location with a notable US military presence, holds significant importance in the defense cooperation between Japan and the United States to deter potential threats to Taiwan and neighboring Japanese territories.
• Two Chinese H-6 bombers were detected flying through the strait connecting Japan's Okinawa and Miyako Islands, linking the East China Sea to the Pacific Ocean, according to Reuters.

• Additionally, on the same day, Japanese authorities identified a Chinese military drone and another drone believed to be of Chinese origin between Yonaguni Island and Taiwan.

• Japan's Air Self-Defense Force promptly dispatched fighter jets to monitor and track these drones, resulting in the drones altering their course and heading towards mainland China.

• This sequence of events underscores Japan's resolute commitment to safeguarding its airspace and monitoring activities that could pose a threat to its security.

Japanese stance on Taiwan

• Japan, historically cautious about escalating tensions with its neighboring adversary, has, for a significant duration, mirrored the war-avoidant stance of its ally, the USA.
• In recent times, this discourse has evolved, with civil society and political factions across parties advocating for improved military preparedness against assertive China.
• Recent statements by Japanese leaders have garnered international attention concerning Japan's position on Taiwan.

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Taiwan bolsters its defence

• Meanwhile, the United States has approved a $500 million arms sale to Taiwan, specifically for infrared search and tracking systems to enhance the capabilities of their F-16 fighter aircraft.

• President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan has announced a 3.5% increase in the country's military budget, bringing it to $19 billion. This funding boost aims to prioritize reinforcing fighter jet capabilities and strengthening naval defenses.

Exercise Noble Chinook

• Amidst these incidents, the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, collaborating with allies from the Royal Canadian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), are participating in the Noble Chinook exercise in the Northwestern Pacific from August 21st to 28th.
• This exercise aims to demonstrate the strength of regional partnerships and the commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

• Represented by JS Hyuga, the JMSDF is actively engaged in the exercise. "Through the exercise, we enhance our tactical capabilities and strengthen cooperation with the participating navies," stated Capt. Okishige Hiroki, commanding officer of JS Hyuga.