On Sunday, Japan’s Ministry of Defense accused China of using radar to lock onto Japanese F-15 fighter jets near Okinawa, further escalating tensions between the two countries. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi held an emergency press conference in the early hours, condemning China’s actions as a “dangerous behavior” that exceeded what is necessary for safe flight. He stated that Japan had lodged a strong protest with China and demanded measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident reportedly occurred in international waters southeast of Okinawa Island, where Chinese J-15 fighter jets took off from China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, to perform the radar lock. The area is near islands claimed by both Japan and China.
The Chinese Navy rebutted the accusation, stating that the Liaoning was conducting “routine carrier-based fighter training” and that prior notification had been issued. Chinese Navy spokesperson Wang Xuemeng said Japan’s claims were “inconsistent with the facts” and demanded that Japan cease slandering China. He emphasized that China would take necessary measures under the law to safeguard its security and legitimate rights.
Experts note that China has been gradually expanding the scale and frequency of its military exercises around Japan and Taiwan. The aim is to familiarize regional countries with their military presence and deter potential Japanese or U.S. intervention in a sudden Taiwan-related crisis.
Commentary:
China’s recent radar lock on Japanese fighter jets near Okinawa is not an isolated military action but part of a broader pattern of long-standing Sino-Japanese friction. In recent weeks, Beijing has taken a series of political and economic retaliatory measures in response to Japan’s political support for Taiwan and public statements on the issue. These actions reflect China’s strategy of applying multi-layered pressure on Japan, combining military moves with economic and cultural measures to create a comprehensive diplomatic leverage.
Historically, disputes over territory and security in the East China Sea and around Taiwan have persisted between Japan and China. In recent years, with China’s rapid naval expansion and regular carrier group patrols, Japan’s security pressures have increased significantly. The recent radar lock incident occurred within this geopolitical context, aiming both to demonstrate China’s military presence and to warn against foreign interference in Taiwan-related matters.