Analysis: China Coast Guard Helicopter Intrusion into Japanese Airspace
This incident represents a significant escalation in the long-standing territorial dispute between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands, known as the Diaoyu Islands by China.
INDO-PACIFIC — On May 3, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m. local time (JST), four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels entered Japan’s territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, followed by a helicopter launched from one of these vessels, identified as Haijing 2303, intruding into Japan’s territorial airspace from 12:21 to 12:36 p.m., remaining for 15 minutes, as reported by the Japanese Ministry of Defense.
This incident represents a significant escalation in the long-standing territorial dispute between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands, known as the Diaoyu Islands by China. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded with a formal protest, reflecting heightened tensions in the region.
The event underscores the growing assertiveness of the China Coast Guard, which operates under the People’s Armed Police Force and reports to the Central Military Commission, particularly since legislative changes in 2020 and 2021 bolstered its authority.