The Chinese Ministry of Defence gave its version of the close encounter between two Su-30s and two JASDF F-15Js on Jun. 17.
China said its fighters were on a routine patrol mission inside its DMIZ when the Japanese fighters approached at high speed and lock their fire control radars on the Chinese jets.
Chinese fighter crews were forced to take defensive measures. The Japanese side release a flare before escaping.
It is interesting to note that Beijing’s side of the story is similar to what Kunio Orita, former head of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Air Support Command, had said on Jun. 29.