Japan said on Sunday that Chinese fighter jets directed fire-control radar at Japanese military aircraft in two separate encounters near the Okinawa islands, prompting a diplomatic protest and heightening concerns over already strained relations between the two Asian powers. China rejected the accusation, calling Japan’s account false and irresponsible.
The incidents, which occurred on Saturday, mark some of the most serious military run-ins between the two nations in years and come amid worsening tensions over Taiwan and disputed territory in the East China Sea.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the Chinese jets’ radar behavior exceeded what was necessary for safe flight operations and constituted a “dangerous” escalation.
“These radar illuminations went beyond what is necessary for the safe flight of aircraft,” Koizumi wrote on X, adding that Japan had lodged a formal protest with Beijing.
Speaking alongside Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles in Tokyo, Koizumi said Japan would respond “resolutely and calmly” to ensure regional stability.
Japan did not say whether the Chinese aircraft locked onto its planes—an aggressive step that often forces pilots to take defensive action—but stressed that the encounters took place near islands claimed by both countries.
China’s Ministry of National Defense rejected Japan’s report.
Colonel Wang Xuemeng, a spokesperson for the Chinese navy, said Japanese aircraft had repeatedly approached and disrupted Chinese naval forces conducting pre-announced carrier-based flight training east of the Miyako Strait.
“Japan’s statement is erroneous,” Wang said on official social media channels. “We solemnly demand that the Japanese side immediately stop slandering and strictly restrain front-line actions. The Chinese Navy will take necessary measures in accordance with the law to resolutely safeguard its own security and legitimate rights and interests.”
The incidents add to a sharp deterioration in China-Japan ties over the past month.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently warned that Japan could take action if a Chinese military move against Taiwan threatened Japan’s security, a statement that drew strong criticism from Beijing.
The disputed waters around Okinawa and the Miyako Strait have long been points of friction. China routinely sends ships and fighter jets through the area as part of what it describes as routine military training, while Japan views the increased activity as destabilizing.
Directing fire-control radar at another military aircraft is considered a serious provocation because it signals the potential for attack. Similar disputes between Tokyo and Beijing occurred in 2013 involving naval vessels, prompting international concern.
After meeting Koizumi, Australia’s defense minister said Canberra was closely watching China’s actions.
“We are deeply concerned by the actions of China in the last 24 hours,” Marles said at a joint press conference. “We will continue to work with Japan and stand with Japan in upholding that rules-based order.”
Japan and Australia have deepened defense cooperation in recent years, signing a reciprocal access agreement that expands joint training and security coordination.
Beyond the military sphere, tensions have spilled into tourism and trade.
Beijing has advised Chinese citizens not to travel to Japan and has halted plans to resume seafood imports—restrictions introduced after Japan released treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant.
The latest radar incidents are expected to intensify debate within Tokyo’s security establishment and add to growing concerns about China’s military posture in waters critical to Japan’s national defense.
Africa Digital News, New York
