Japan and China are sparring once again — this time over a tense mid-air encounter that Tokyo says crossed a dangerous line. So what happened up there?
According to Japan, Chinese J-15 fighter jets locked their radar onto Japanese F-15s near Okinawa.
The Japanese aircraft say they kept a safe distance.
“China’s claim… is untrue,” insisted Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi went further, calling the move “extremely regrettable” and “dangerous.”
China, unsurprisingly, pushed back. A navy spokesperson accused Japan of “harassment” during Beijing’s pre-announced training drills.
The spokesperson warned Tokyo to “stop slandering” and promised China would “safeguard its security.”
Incident Sparks Concern
The radar lock — lasting up to 30 minutes at one point — triggered an immediate protest from Japan and fresh concerns among ruling party officials.
Tensions were already high after Japan’s prime minister suggested its military might act if China moved on Taiwan.
Australia, which held defense talks with Japan the same day, voiced alarm too.
“We expect those interactions to be safe and professional,” said Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles.
He stressed Canberra’s desire to keep relations stable.
Meanwhile, Tokyo continues strengthening regional defense ties.
It treats Australia as a “semi-ally” as both countries eye China’s expanding footprint.
One thing’s clear: when fighter jets start locking radar, diplomacy suddenly feels a lot more urgent.
