Chinese Bombers Pass between Okinawa Islands
17:29 JST, May 19, 2022
TOKYO (Jiji Press) — Two Chinese H-6 bombers passed between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima island, both in Okinawa Prefecture, on Wednesday, the Defense Ministry’s Joint Staff Office said.
The bombers flew in a southern direction from the East China Sea and then circled over the Pacific Ocean before going back in the opposite direction.
The Air Self-Defense Force responded to the incident and confirmed no incursion into Japanese airspace. The Chinese bombers were loaded with what appeared to be anti-ship missiles, ministry officials said.
According to the ministry, such a flight by a Chinese warplane was last observed in February. The ministry is looking for any connections between the latest flight and the activity of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning in nearby waters since earlier this month.
Over 200 aircraft landings and takeoffs have been seen on the Liaoning sailing south of Okinawa in the Pacific. The bombers may have conducted detection and combat drills jointly with the aircraft carrier.
"Politics" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
China Conducts Naval Blockade Exercise in Miyako Strait; CCG Ships Near Senkaku Islands Given Stronger Weapons
-
Trump Discussed China-Taiwan Situation in Meeting with Abe’s Widow, Described Calling For Immediate End to War in Zelenskyy Talks
-
New Developments Seen in China’s Maritime Expansion; Japanese Govt Official Urges Calm, Stout Response
-
Poll: Over 70% in U.S. Support Japan Strengthening Defense Capabilities
-
U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel File 2 Lawsuits after Biden Blocks $14.9 Billion Deal
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Prehistoric Stone Tool Cut Out of Coral Reef and Taken Away in Kyushu island; Artifact was Believed to Have Been Dropped in Sea During Prehistoric Jomon Period
- Record 320 School Staff Punished for Sex Offenses in Japan
- New Year’s Ceremony Held at Imperial Palace (UPDATE 1)
- Indonesia Launches Free School Meal Program with Support from Japan; Ishiba Currying Favor with New President
- Tire of Landing Gear of JAL Plane Goes Flat at Haneda; No Injuries Reported, but Runway Closed 25 Minutes