Chinese PLA Air Force SU-27 fighters came as close as 50 meters to a Japanese Self Defence Force (SDF) P-3C surveillance plane near the uninhabited Senkaku Islands on May 24, 2014, and within 30 meters of a Japanese YS-11EB electronic intelligence aircraft. A Japan Defence Ministry official said it was the closest that Chinese warplanes had come to Self-Defense Forces aircraft. “Closing in while flying normally over the high seas is impossible. This is a close encounter that is outright over the top.” The Chinese planes were carrying missiles. The two SDF aircraft were monitoring a joint naval drill being conducted by China and Russia near Japanese territorial waters.

The Japanese government had conveyed its concerns to Beijing via diplomatic channels. 

The Chinese Defense Ministry website meanwhile said that the SDF planes had entered its air defense identification zone (ADIZ) despite “no fly” notices issued by Beijing before the exercises.