Beijing Detects Suspected Japanese Spy Planes Near Taiwan Amid Heightened Patrols
Mainland Chinese maritime authorities have detected what are believed to be Japanese surveillance aircraft southeast of Taiwan. This development comes as Beijing has increased its patrols in the area. According to a video released by Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account linked to the state broadcaster CCTV, two fixed-wing aircraft, suspected to belong to the Japan Coast Guard, were spotted during a patrol by a Chinese maritime task force. The first aircraft, identified by its distinct tilted tail assembly, was detected at 6:15 am local time, while the second, marked with the blue-and-white livery of the Japan Coast Guard, was seen at 2:11 pm. This increased activity follows recent maritime border discussions between Japan and the Philippines, aimed at resolving overlapping maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones in the western Pacific Ocean, east of Taiwan. Additionally, Beijing and Tokyo have unresolved overlapping EEZ claims in the East China Sea. 
