第11管区海上保安本部の航空機「ちゅらたか2号」（同本部HPより）
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In May, a helicopter launched from a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel violated Japanese airspace near the Senkaku Islands, located in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture. The incursion marked a provocative and unprecedented move by Beijing. In response, Japan has continued to assert its effective control over the skies above the Senkakus. A Sankei Shimbun analysis of Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) flight data reveals that the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has been routinely conducting aerial patrols in the region.
Eyes in the Sky
Flight-tracking data from platforms such as Flightradar24 shows that the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters' Falcon 2000 jet, known as Churataka No 2, has been flying regular missions over the Senkaku airspace. These patrols serve to reinforce Japan's presence and help maintain stability in the surrounding waters.
Available data shows that the Churataka No 2 conducts flights toward the Senkaku Islands on roughly 10 days each month. Some patrols are even taking place during late-night hours.
In the aftermath of the May 3 airspace violation by a Chinese helicopter, the Churataka No 2 continued patrolling the skies over the Senkakus for at least six consecutive days.
Tensions Escalate with Chinese Vessel Incursions
JCG aircraft were also confirmed to be conducting aerial surveillance on July 10, when two CCG vessels entered Japan's territorial waters near the Senkakus. In response to the incursion, CCG spokesperson Liu Degun asserted, "The Diaoyu Islands [China's name for the Senkakus] and their affiliated islets are China's inherent territory." Japan, however, reaffirmed its effective control by deploying both patrol vessels and aircraft.
It's important to note that publicly available data represents only a portion of the Japan Coast Guard's operations. In addition to the Churataka No 2, the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters maintains a fleet of 15 aircraft. These include ship-based helicopters, actively used for territorial sea surveillance and maritime security.
24/7 Operations Amid Growing Pressure
A spokesperson for the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters commented:
"We conduct aerial maritime surveillance around the clock. Aircraft are an effective tool for monitoring wide areas, not only around the Senkaku Islands but across our entire jurisdiction. They are also used for search and rescue operations."
Since January 2024, CCG vessels have reportedly been issuing radio warnings to JCG and Self-Defense Forces aircraft operating in Japanese airspace near the Senkaku Islands.
As of July 31, 2025, a CCG vessel was confirmed in the contiguous zone surrounding the Senkakus for the 255th consecutive day, marking the longest unbroken presence since Japan nationalized the islands. In 2025, not a single day has passed without a Chinese vessel appearing in the area. Amid these sustained provocations, the JCG continues its 24/7 operations, with aircraft playing a central role in its response posture.
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Author: Ryo Nishiyama, The Sankei Shimbun
This post is also available in: English
