Japanese military patrol planes were closely approached by Chinese fighter jets after the simultaneous operation of two Chinese aircraft carriers in the Pacific, prompting Tokyo to protest. The incidents raised concerns about potential accidental collisions.

Their newly ratified reciprocal access agreement paves the way for Japanese forces to train on Philippine soil for the first time since WWII Japan has ratified its reciprocal access agreement (RAA) with the Philippines six months after Manila did,

Tokyo's defence minister said Friday it was "unacceptable" for China to blame Japan for close encounters between their military planes over the Pacific high seas last weekend. Nakatani said Friday that "Chinese statements portraying Japan as the cause of the latest incident are unacceptable".

Tokyo said Thursday it had expressed "serious concerns" to Beijing after Chinese fighter jets flew dangerously close to a Japanese military patrol plane in the Pacific last weekend.

The two Chinese carriers currently in the western Pacific employ the older “ski-jump” launch method for aircraft, with a ramp at the end of a short runway to assist planes taking off. China’s first carrier, the Liaoning, was a repurposed Soviet ship. The second, the Shandong, was built in China along the Soviet design.

Japan is expanding its missile capabilities and military presence near China as part of a strategic buildup. With concerns about China’s growing power and uncertainty over US defense commitments, Japan is increasing spending,

Chinese fighter jets flew alarmingly close to Japanese patrol planes over a weekend, sparking concern in Tokyo. This incident occurred alongside Chinese aircraft carriers operating in the Pacific, signaling a potential expansion of Beijing’s capabilities beyond its borders.

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The Philippines' Department of National Defense welcomed the Japanese Diet’s ratification of the deal, saying it would allow both countries to build reliable defense ties. In a statement, Defense spokesman Arsenio said the RAA is in line with President Marcos’ directive to boost partnerships with “like-minded countries."