Incident
Japan has accused Chinese J‑15 fighter jets of locking their radars on Japanese naval vessels near the southern islands of Okinawa on Saturday, an action often interpreted as a signal of possible attack. According to Japan’s Ministry of Defence, the aircraft launched from China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning and twice targeted Japanese ships, prompting Tokyo to immediately scramble its own fighters. Officials stressed that Japanese vessels had not engaged in any provocative activity.
Japan’s Response
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi condemned the move as “extremely regrettable” and urged Beijing to prevent such incidents in the future. She warned that Japan would deliver a “calm but firm response” to safeguard its security interests.
China’s Position
China’s navy rejected Japan’s protest, calling the claims “contrary to facts” and accusing Tokyo of attempting to tarnish Beijing’s image. Chinese officials said the maneuvers were part of previously announced military exercises.
Rising Tensions
The episode comes amid already strained relations between the two countries. Last month, Japan’s prime minister stated that Tokyo could consider military action if China attacked Taiwan, a territory Beijing regards as its own.
Just days earlier, conflicting reports emerged of a clash between Japanese and Chinese coast guards near disputed islands in the East China Sea.
Wider Fallout
China has recently advised its citizens to avoid travel to Japan, imposed a ban on Japanese seafood imports, and suspended the screening of Japanese films measures reflecting the deepening rift between the two Asian powers