Tokyo: Japan has accused Chinese fighter jets of directing fire control radar at its military aircraft during two incidents near the Okinawa region. Officials in Tokyo said the incidents happened on Saturday when Chinese J 15 fighter jets took off from the aircraft carrier Liaoning.
According to the Japanese defence ministry, the radar used was the type normally applied when preparing to launch a missile. The ministry said this action went beyond ordinary safety measures and created a dangerous situation in the air. Japanese F 15 jets were scrambled in response, but no physical clash or missile launch took place.
The government of Japan has issued a formal protest to Beijing, calling the action unacceptable and unsafe. Officials also announced that the Japan Self Defence Forces will continue monitoring the activity around the area.
China denied the accusation. A spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army Navy said the Japanese aircraft approached its carrier group and disrupted training exercises. The spokesperson said China acted to protect its security and did not threaten Japan.
The incident adds to rising tension between the two countries as relations remain strained over territorial disputes in the East China Sea and political disagreements over Taiwan. Analysts say the timing is significant, as it follows recent comments by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about possible involvement if conflict breaks out in Taiwan.
Australia, which held defence talks with Japan in Tokyo this week, expressed concern about the situation. Australian officials said such military actions increase the risk of misunderstanding and escalation in the region.
So far, there are no reports of injury or further confrontation, but both countries say they will continue surveillance and remain alert.
Observers warn that more encounters like this could increase the risk of a serious incident if communication fails or if one side misinterprets the other’s actions.