Tokyo Accuses Chinese Jets of "Locking Radars" on Japanese Fighters; Japan Lodges Strong Protest

The Japanese Ministry of Defence announced today, Sunday, that Chinese military aircraft "locked their radars" onto Japanese fighter jets in the airspace southeast of Okinawa Island, describing the act as "dangerous." Radar locking is a feature used to track a specific target automatically, often preceding fire control.

Incident Details and Japanese Response:

• First Incident: A Chinese J-15 fighter jet, launched from the Chinese Navy's aircraft carrier Liaoning, "intermittently locked its radar" onto a Japanese F-15 fighter jet.

• Second Incident: The incident recurred about two hours later when another Chinese J-15 from the Liaoning repeated the action.

• Japanese Response: Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described the incidents as "very dangerous and regrettable," confirming that Japan lodged a "strong protest" with Beijing, demanding the prevention of recurrence.

Chinese Denial and International Support:

• China's Rebuttal: The Chinese Navy asserted that Tokyo's claims were "completely baseless," and demanded Japan "immediately stop its slanders and false claims."

• Australian Support: Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, currently visiting Japan, expressed "deep concern over China's behaviour during the last 24 hours," stressing that Australia will oppose China when necessary, despite seeking cooperation.

These tensions follow recent friction between Beijing and Tokyo, particularly near the disputed Senkaku Islands, and after Japanese statements suggested possible military intervention if Taiwan were attacked.