Japan Accuses China of ‘Dangerous’ Fire-Control Radar Lock Over International Waters

Tensions between Japan and China have sharply escalated following accusations by Japanese Minister of Defence Shinjiro Koizumi that Chinese fighter jets directed fire-control radar at Japanese aircraft on two separate occasions over international waters near Okinawa. China has swiftly rejected the claims, accusing Japanese aircraft of disruption.

Threatening Encounters near Okinawa

Minister Koizumi stated in a post on X early Sunday that the radar illumination was a “dangerous act that exceeded the range necessary for safe aircraft flight.” A fire-control radar lock is considered one of the most threatening actions a military aircraft can take, as it signals a potential attack and forces the targeted aircraft to take immediate evasive action.

Tokyo lodged a “strong protest” over the two incidents on Saturday and issued a “stern demand for measures to prevent recurrence.” No damage or injuries were reported from the encounters.

In response later on Sunday, a Chinese navy spokesperson denied Japan’s claims, stating that a Japanese self-defence force aircraft had repeatedly approached and disrupted the Chinese navy while it was conducting training.

According to Koizumi, the Chinese J-15 jets involved were launched from China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier, which was maneuvering south of the Okinawan islands along with three missile destroyers.

Geopolitical Context, and Taiwan

These encounters are the most serious run-ins between the two militaries in years and occur as diplomatic relations sour, particularly over the status of Taiwan. Democratically governed Taiwan, claimed by Beijing, lies just 110 kilometers from Japan’s westernmost Yonaguni Island.

The heightened military activity follows Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent declaration that Tokyo could respond to Chinese military action against Taiwan if such moves threatened Japan’s security.

In related developments, Reuters reported that China deployed a large number of naval and coastguard ships across East Asian waters on Thursday, with the build-up described by Taiwan’s government as posing a threat to the Asia Pacific region.

Taiwan Strait Activity

Simultaneously, Taiwan’s coastguard reported monitoring drills by three Chinese maritime safety ships on the western side of the Taiwan Strait’s median line. Chinese state media described these as search-and-rescue drills in “high-traffic areas.” Taiwan’s coastguard countered, stating China was using “misleading and false wording” to harass Taiwan and carry out psychological warfare.

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The region remains highly sensitive, particularly given that Japan hosts the biggest overseas concentration of United States military power, including warships and thousands of US Marines, largely based in Okinawa. There has been no immediate comment from the US regarding Japan’s recent claims.