Japan accuses China of locking radars on its fighter jets: details of the incident
In a notable development indicating escalating tensions in the East Asia region, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday an aerial incident it described as a “dangerous act,” accusing Chinese military aircraft of locking their radars onto Japanese fighter jets in the airspace southeast of the strategic island of Okinawa.
Details of the air accident
According to the official statement issued by the ministry, the incident was not accidental but occurred twice. In the first instance, a Chinese J-15 fighter jet, launched from the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning, intermittently activated its radar lock-on capability against a Japanese F-15 fighter jet belonging to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The same scenario was repeated approximately two hours later with another Chinese fighter jet of the same type.
Radar lock-on is a hostile military procedure that typically precedes a missile strike, where the aircraft's systems automatically and continuously identify and track a specific target to precisely guide missiles toward it. The ministry confirmed that the incidents resulted in no material damage or injuries, but they pose a direct threat to pilot safety.
Official reactions in Tokyo
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi held an emergency press conference Sunday morning, describing the actions as "very serious and regrettable." Koizumi indicated that the Japanese government had not remained passive, but had lodged a "strong protest" with the Chinese government through diplomatic channels, demanding that Beijing take firm measures to prevent a recurrence of such provocations, which could lead to unforeseen consequences.
Context of escalating tension and its background
This incident cannot be separated from the broader context of strained relations between the two Asian powers. Last month saw a diplomatic escalation following remarks attributed to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in which she hinted at the possibility of Japanese military intervention should Taiwan be attacked—a move China considers a red line that infringes upon its sovereignty.
Historically, the maritime and airspace surrounding Okinawa and Japan's southwestern island chain has been the site of intense military activity. China considers the Miyako Strait and adjacent waters vital chokepoints for its naval forces to project power from the first island chain into the Pacific Ocean, a fact closely monitored by Japan and the United States.
Strategic importance and regional implications
This incident carries profound strategic implications that go beyond mere aerial friction; it reflects China’s desire to showcase its growing naval and air power, especially with the use of fighters launched from the aircraft carrier “Liaoning”, highlighting its ability to operate far from its land bases.
Internationally, such incidents raise widespread concern among Western allies, particularly the United States, which has a security treaty with Japan. Any miscalculation or unintended clash resulting from a "radar shutdown" could drag the region into a wider conflict, threatening the stability of global trade routes and the security of the Indo-Pacific region.
