Amanze Chinonye
Japan has accused Chinese military jets of locking fire-control radar on Japanese F-15 fighter aircraft during two “dangerous” encounters near Okinawa on Saturday, escalating tensions between the two East Asian powers.
Beijing denied the claims, calling Japan’s account “erroneous” and accusing Tokyo of harassment.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, speaking after talks with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Tokyo, described the radar illuminations as “an extremely regrettable act” that “exceeded the scope necessary for safe aircraft operations.” Japan lodged a formal protest with China and vowed to respond “resolutely and calmly” to maintain regional peace.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe incidents involved J-15 fighters launched from China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning, which was maneuvering south of Okinawa with three missile destroyers. Japanese jets were scrambled in response and pursued the Chinese aircraft at a safe distance. Radar targeting reportedly occurred twice: once for about three minutes in the late afternoon, and again for 30 minutes in the evening. No Japanese airspace was breached, and no injuries or damage were reported.
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Chinese navy spokesperson Senior Colonel Wang Xuemeng defended the maneuvers as routine, previously announced carrier-based flight training east of the Miyako Strait, and urged Japan to “stop slandering and smearing” while warning that China would take necessary measures to safeguard its security.
The incidents mark one of the most serious run-ins between Chinese and Japanese military aircraft in recent years, coming amid rising tensions over Taiwan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently warned that Japan could respond if Chinese military action against Taiwan threatened Japanese security. Taiwan lies just 110 km from Japan’s westernmost island, Yonaguni, and the region remains a strategic chokepoint for air and maritime traffic.
Australia expressed concern over the developments. Defense Minister Richard Marles said at a joint press conference with Koizumi that Australia stands with Japan and supports a rules-based regional order. The two countries agreed to deepen defense cooperation through a new framework for strategic coordination.
The radar-lock incidents are believed to be the first involving Japanese and Chinese military aircraft, though prior encounters have occurred, including radar targeting of Japanese ships in 2013 and near collisions in 2016 and 2022. Analysts warn that such actions, even short of missile launches, are highly provocative and could force evasive maneuvers, raising the risk of miscalculation.
This report was compiled with information verified by Prime Business Africa.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
