Tensions between China and Japan have intensified following radar-locking incidents involving military aircraft over the East China Sea. Japan’s Defense Ministry reported that Chinese J-15 fighter jets activated targeting radars against Japanese aircraft on two separate occasions Saturday near the southern Okinawa islands.
The incidents occurred at 16:32 and 18:37 local time, with the Chinese aircraft operating from the Liaoning aircraft carrier. Radar locking represents a significant military provocation as it typically precedes weapon deployment and indicates hostile intent.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi characterized the incidents as ‘extremely regrettable’ during a Sunday press briefing in Ishikawa prefecture, confirming that Tokyo had lodged a formal protest with Beijing and demanded preventive measures against future occurrences.
China’s Navy dismissed Japan’s allegations as ‘completely inconsistent with the facts,’ asserting that their operations constituted routine training exercises that had been previously announced. Chinese officials further accused Japan of ‘harassing’ their forces during these exercises.
The military confrontation follows deteriorating diplomatic relations that began last month when Prime Minister Takaichi suggested Japan might consider military involvement should China initiate hostilities toward Taiwan. Beijing maintains its claim over the self-governed island and reserves the right to employ force for reunification.
These developments occur amidst broader regional tensions, including conflicting coast guard accounts regarding confrontations near disputed East China Sea islands and Japan’s planned missile deployment to Yonaguni island near Taiwan—a move that has drawn strong Chinese condemnation.
The escalating bilateral tensions have manifested in civilian spheres, with China advising citizens against travel to Japan and implementing restrictions on Japanese seafood imports and film screenings.