Japan has protested after Chinese fighter jets locked radars on Japanese aircraft as tensions between the two nations worsened. Locking radar onto an aircraft is considered a threat because it can signal a potential attack. Japan said there were two such incidents Saturday off its southern Okinawa islands. Japan scrambled its fighter jets in response to the Chinese J-15 jets, while Beijing accused Tokyo of harassing its forces during a training exercise. No injuries or damage were reported.
Diplomatic ties between Japan and China have spiraled since last month, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo could take military action if Beijing attacked Taiwan. Beijing views self-governed Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to reunite with it. Both sides have engaged in increasingly hostile rhetoric towards each other, impacting daily life for citizens in both countries.
A Japanese defense ministry official stated that the intention of the Chinese jets was unclear, noting that there was no need to lock onto Japanese planes if their goal was merely to locate other aircraft. The Chinese navy, however, rejected Japan's claims as completely inconsistent with the facts, requesting Japan to stop its allegations. This incident follows previous escalations, including Japan's deployment plans for missiles and a significant seafood import ban by China. Tensions remain high as both nations navigate their complicated relationship.
Diplomatic ties between Japan and China have spiraled since last month, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo could take military action if Beijing attacked Taiwan. Beijing views self-governed Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to reunite with it. Both sides have engaged in increasingly hostile rhetoric towards each other, impacting daily life for citizens in both countries.
A Japanese defense ministry official stated that the intention of the Chinese jets was unclear, noting that there was no need to lock onto Japanese planes if their goal was merely to locate other aircraft. The Chinese navy, however, rejected Japan's claims as completely inconsistent with the facts, requesting Japan to stop its allegations. This incident follows previous escalations, including Japan's deployment plans for missiles and a significant seafood import ban by China. Tensions remain high as both nations navigate their complicated relationship.
