Tensions between Japan and China have escalated following an incident on 6/12, when Chinese J-15 carrier-borne fighters reportedly activated their fire control radar and locked onto Japanese F-15 fighter jets near Okinawa.

Japan's Ministry of Defense reported that Chinese J-15s, operating from the aircraft carrier Liaoning, twice activated their fire control radar, locking onto Japanese F-15 fighter aircraft southeast of Okinawa. The Liaoning, accompanied by three destroyers, was at the time moving south of the Okinawa island chain.

In a press conference today, Japanese government spokesperson Minoru Kihara stated that the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) scrambled heavy F-15 fighters last weekend due to "concerns over Chinese aircraft infringing on airspace". Kihara dismissed China's claims that Japanese fighters seriously obstructed their flight safety as "baseless".

Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi previously summoned Chinese Ambassador Wu Jiang Hao, conveying a "strong protest that such dangerous actions are extremely regrettable". The Japanese Foreign Ministry stated that "Vice Foreign Minister Funakoshi urged the Chinese government to ensure such incidents do not recur". Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized that "activating fire control radar is a dangerous act, exceeding what is necessary to ensure flight safety".

A Chinese J-15 fighter during a training flight in mid-September. Photo: PLA

In response, China's Foreign Ministry, as cited by Xinhua news agency, rejected Japan's criticisms and announced it would send a counter-protest. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused Japan of "disseminating false information and attempting political manipulation", claiming that "Japanese fighters frequently reconnaissance and disrupt Chinese military activities".

The spokesperson further stated that "Japan is exaggerating the fire control radar lock incident to make false accusations against China, escalate tensions, and mislead the international community. This is a malicious act, which we firmly oppose and have sent a diplomatic note to Japan". The Chinese Navy asserted that Japan's statement was "not consistent with the actual situation" and demanded Tokyo "immediately cease slandering and defaming". According to the Chinese Navy, Japanese aircraft repeatedly approached and disrupted carrier training exercises east of the Miyako Strait, activities that had been previously announced.

Okinawa island and surrounding area. Graphics: Reuters, Straits Times

Fire control radar is used to precisely locate targets and provide guidance parameters for missiles and guided munitions. Activating fire control radar and locking onto a target typically occurs when one side is ready to engage in combat and is considered a serious provocation during peacetime. Modern aircraft and warships are equipped with radar warning systems, allowing them to determine if they are being detected and locked onto by enemy radar.

The fighter jet encounter near Okinawa occurred amidst escalating tensions between China and Japan, following Prime Minister Takaichi's statement last month regarding Taiwan island. She had suggested that an attack on the island could "constitute a situation threatening Japan's survival and compel us to take military action". Although the Japanese Prime Minister later softened her tone to de-escalate tensions, China did not accept this and continued to demand a retraction of her previous statement.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, Xinhua, Kyodo)