Japan scrambles jets after Chinese aircraft ‘violates’ airspace

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Japan’s Defence Ministry said that a Chinese aircraft violated its territorial airspace off the Danjo Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture. The incursion lasted for two minutes.
Japan deployed fighter jets and issued warning in response.
Also, China recently had a confrontation with Philippine near the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea.

Implications:

Multiple confrontations have taken place in recent days between China and its neighbours. This has led to escalation of tensions in the region.
Increased military activity in the region could affect trade as it can disrupt global supply chains.

Background of the issue:

China’s growing economic and military clout in the Asia-Pacific region and its assertiveness in territorial disputes, particularly Taiwan, has alarmed US and its allies including Japan.
Recently, Japan increased defence spending and eased rules on arms exports.
Japan has been providing funding and equipment to countries across the region and agreed on a deal with the Philippines allowing troop deployments on each other’s soil.
Japan also made efforts at reconciliation of ties with South Korea.
Japan is also part of the Quad alliance with the US, Australia and India, a grouping seen as a counterbalance to China’s influence in the region.

Senkaku islands:

Japan and China have a long-standing dispute over the Senkaku islands
It is group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea that are controlled by Japan but claimed by China and Taiwan, which refer to them as Diaoyu Dao and Diaoyutai, respectively.
The islands are close to strategically important shipping lanes, offer potential oil and natural gas resources, and are situated in rich fishing areas.

Danjo Islands:

The Danjo Islands, the site of the latest incident, are a group of small islets also located in the East China Sea off Japan’s Nagasaki region.

Sabina shoal:

Sabina shoal is a disputed atoll in the Spratly Islands of South China sea, claimed by China, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam
The shoal is located 140 km west of the Philippine Island of Palawan and about 1,200 km from Hainan Island, China’s nearest major landmass.