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 reported two such incidents on Saturday off its southern Okinawa islands. In response, Japan scrambled fighter jets against the Chinese J-15s 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 in recent weeks, particularly following comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about potential military action regarding Taiwan. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory and insists on its unification, even by force if necessary.
Both nations have engaged in increasingly hostile rhetoric, with rising tensions manifesting in various ways, including a recent maritime confrontation involving coast guards near disputed islands. A Japanese defense official criticized the actions of the Chinese jets, asserting there was 'no need' for such aggressive maneuvers, calling it 'extremely regrettable.' Japan demanded measures to prevent future occurrences and assured a calm yet resolute response.
This incident follows earlier tensions when Japan detected a suspected Chinese drone near Taiwan and signaled plans to deploy missiles in response, further straining relations. To top it all off, China has advised its citizens to avoid travel to Japan and imposed bans on seafood imports and screenings of Japanese films, reflecting the escalating diplomatic fallout.
Diplomatic ties between Japan and China have spiraled in recent weeks, particularly following comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about potential military action regarding Taiwan. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory and insists on its unification, even by force if necessary.
Both nations have engaged in increasingly hostile rhetoric, with rising tensions manifesting in various ways, including a recent maritime confrontation involving coast guards near disputed islands. A Japanese defense official criticized the actions of the Chinese jets, asserting there was 'no need' for such aggressive maneuvers, calling it 'extremely regrettable.' Japan demanded measures to prevent future occurrences and assured a calm yet resolute response.
This incident follows earlier tensions when Japan detected a suspected Chinese drone near Taiwan and signaled plans to deploy missiles in response, further straining relations. To top it all off, China has advised its citizens to avoid travel to Japan and imposed bans on seafood imports and screenings of Japanese films, reflecting the escalating diplomatic fallout.
