Multiple Incidents Reveal Fighter Jet Interceptions and Expulsions of Foreign Aircraft

On June 29, 2025, China Central Television (CCTV) broadcast footage showcasing the Chinese military's response to a foreign aircraft violating China's territorial sea boundary. The footage depicted two J-16 fighter jets intercepting and warning the foreign aircraft, ultimately expelling it from the area. The exact date and location of the incident were not disclosed in the report.

The report detailed the actions of air force aviation brigade member Zhang Zhanfang, who described the encounter. He explained how he maneuvered his aircraft to position himself near the foreign aircraft, gradually closing the distance to force it away from the territorial sea line. Despite the initial warning, the foreign aircraft continued to approach, prompting a radio warning from the tower. Following China's established procedures, the foreign aircraft was successfully driven away.

The J-16 fighter jet, a heavy aircraft with significant fuel capacity, is equipped with missiles for various attack scenarios. Military expert Cao Weidong explained that the J-16, along with the J-15 and J-10 jets, are deployed to warn and expel aircraft like the P-8A anti-submarine patrol plane. He noted that while radio warnings are typically the first step, more assertive measures, including approaching and driving away the aircraft, are employed if the warnings are ignored. In cases of airspace violations, more forceful actions, including the potential use of force, are permissible.

CCTV also highlighted two additional incidents. In May 2022, during a far-sea mission by the Liaoning aircraft carrier task group, two foreign aircraft carrier groups provoked the Chinese carrier. J-15 fighter jets, armed with missiles, were launched to intercept the foreign aircraft, engaging them in a high-altitude pursuit that ultimately resulted in the foreign aircraft being driven away.

Furthermore, CCTV reported on a separate incident involving China's J-20 stealth fighter jets. These jets responded to a foreign military aircraft approaching Chinese territorial airspace. The J-20s transitioned from training to combat, engaging the threat and successfully expelling the foreign aircraft after a series of maneuvers.