Editorial: Russia’s provocations in Japanese airspace unacceptable

A Russian military patrol aircraft has violated Japanese airspace near Rebun Island, off the northern coast of Hokkaido. The aircraft ignored Japan Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) radio warnings, forcing the latter to fire a signal flare — metallic powder that burns in the air, emitting heat and light.

In addition to upsetting the international order by invading Ukraine, Russian military actions that would heighten tensions in Northeast Asia are unacceptable.

Unlike territorial waters, where foreign ships have the right to “innocent passage” as long as they do not threaten the security of the coastal nation, unauthorized flights in airspace by foreign aircraft violate international law. It’s a dangerous act which could lead to the aircraft being shot down in some cases.

Since 1967, there have been a total of 44 incidents of Soviet and Russian aircraft violating Japanese airspace, prompting the ASDF to scramble fighter jets. In 1987, there was even an instance where an ASDF aircraft fired warning shots at a Soviet plane that had violated Japanese airspace over Okinawa Prefecture’s main island.

In the latest case, the Russian aircraft violated Japanese airspace three times in a short period. It was natural for the Japanese government to protest through diplomatic channels. Meanwhile, Russia insists that it is “complying with international regulations.”

The background to the airspace violations includes Russia’s deepening tensions with the Western powers and Japan following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, Russia has strengthened its military ties with China.

The Russian Ministry of Defense this month conducted large-scale naval exercises, deploying warships and submarines around the world including in the Pacific and Arctic oceans and the Baltic Sea. Chinese ships participated in these exercises around Japan.

Tokyo-Moscow relations have cooled since the Ukraine crisis began. Programs such as visa-free travel for former residents of the Russian-held, Japan-claimed Northern Territories to visit family graves remain halted. Moscow has criticized Tokyo for its economic sanctions and support for Ukraine, emphasizing that “bilateral relations are at their worst.”

While diplomatic negotiations continue at a practical level, it is urgent to establish frameworks for emergency dialogue to prevent accidental clashes.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has deepened its dependence on China and has also strengthened ties with North Korea. However, it is not desirable for a “new Cold War” geopolitical structure to intensify in Northeast Asia, with a clear divide between Russia-China-North Korea and Japan-U.S.-South Korea blocs.

In late August, the violation of Japanese airspace by a Chinese military aircraft was confirmed for the first time. Tokyo should persistently urge restraint in Moscow and Beijing through all available diplomatic channels.