Tokyo: Japan has expressed concern after reporting that a Chinese aircraft carrier group carried out what it called intense air operations near its southern islands over the past several days. The activities took place east of Okinawa and involved frequent takeoffs and landings of fighter jets from the Chinese carrier Liaoning.
According to Japan’s defence ministry, the operations included about 100 aircraft movements in a short period. Japan said its air force had scrambled jets to monitor the situation. Officials also claimed that Chinese fighter jets directed radar signals at Japanese aircraft during the encounter. Japan views radar illumination as a dangerous act because it can signal targeting in a potential attack.
Tokyo summoned China’s ambassador and delivered a formal protest. The Japanese government described the actions as unsafe and said such behaviour could increase the risk of misunderstanding or escalation. Defence officials said Japan would continue to watch the situation closely and respond calmly but firmly.
China rejected Japan’s complaints and said the carrier drills were lawful military training in international waters. Chinese spokespeople argued that Japanese aircraft came too close to the carrier group and created a safety risk. State-run media in China accused Japan of exaggerating the event.
Regional governments are also paying attention. During a recent visit to Tokyo, Australia’s defence minister urged both sides to avoid steps that could escalate tensions. Japan and Australia have been increasing security cooperation in recent years as military activity grows in the region.
The incident is one of the most serious interactions between Chinese and Japanese forces in recent months. Both countries have had repeated disputes over territory, military movements and Taiwan. Analysts say the latest encounter adds to a pattern of rising tension and increasing military presence in the western Pacific.
Officials in Tokyo said monitoring continues as the Chinese carrier group remains active near Japanese waters.