Japan has accused Chinese fighter jets of targeting Japanese military aircraft with radar in two incidents near Okinawa.
Beijing has disputed the claims.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the radar use a “dangerous act” and said Japan lodged a protest over the “extremely regrettable” Saturday incidents.
Defense Response
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, speaking with Australian counterpart Richard Marles, said Japan would respond “resolutely and calmly” to preserve regional peace.
Colonel Wang Xuemeng, a Chinese navy spokesperson, claimed Japanese aircraft repeatedly approached and disrupted Chinese naval training east of the Miyako Strait.
The incidents mark the most serious military encounters between Japan and China in years.
Tensions have risen since Takaichi warned Japan could respond to Chinese action against Taiwan affecting its security.
Directing radar at another plane signals potential attack and can force evasive maneuvers.
Wang said Japan’s account was false and demanded it “immediately stop slandering and smearing” China’s actions.
International Reactions
Marles expressed concern over China’s behaviour and pledged continued cooperation with Japan.
China has advised citizens not to travel to Japan and paused seafood imports following treated water release from Fukushima.
Taiwan, just 110 km from Japan’s Yonaguni island, rejects Beijing’s territorial claims.
Japan hosts the largest U.S. military presence overseas, including warships, aircraft, and Marines in Okinawa.
The U.S. State Department and Embassy in Tokyo have not commented on Japan’s radar claims.
President Donald Trump has remained largely silent, though U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass has expressed support.
Trump reportedly urged Takaichi not to escalate the dispute and is preparing for trade talks in Beijing next year.
Military Movements
Japan said Chinese J-15 jets were launched from the Liaoning aircraft carrier south of Okinawa with three missile destroyers.
Japan scrambled F-15 fighters in response.
Past incidents include radar lock by Chinese ships in 2013 and near-miss flights near Okinawa in 2016 and June 2025.
China deployed over 100 vessels in East Asian waters recently, which Taiwan described as a threat to the Indo-Pacific.
Taiwan’s coast guard is monitoring drills by three Chinese maritime safety ships near the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
China claims sole sovereignty over the strait, a major route for global shipping, while the U.S. and Taiwan consider it international waters.
