🚨Breaking Report — Chinese Fighter Jet Locks Radar on Japanese Aircraft Near Okinawa

Rising Tensions in the East China Sea

Japan’s Ministry of Defense has accused a Chinese J-15 fighter jet of locking its fire-control radar on Japanese F-15 aircraft during two separate incidents over international waters southeast of Okinawa. Officials described the act as “dangerous” and “extremely regrettable,” warning that such behavior risks escalating already strained relations between Tokyo and Beijing.

Details of the Incident

• The radar lock occurred twice on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
• The first lasted about three minutes in the late afternoon.
• The second persisted for nearly 30 minutes in the evening.
• The Chinese aircraft were launched from the Liaoning aircraft carrier, which was maneuvering south of Okinawa accompanied by three missile destroyers.
• Japanese F-15s had scrambled to monitor the Chinese jets amid concerns of a possible airspace violation.
• No breach of Japanese airspace was reported, and no injuries or damage occurred.

Japan’s Response

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi lodged a formal protest with Beijing, stating the radar lock “exceeded the scope necessary for safe aircraft operations.” He demanded strict preventive measures to avoid recurrence.

Japan emphasized that radar locks are considered one of the most threatening acts in aerial encounters, as they signal a potential missile attack and often force targeted aircraft to take evasive action.

China’s Position

A spokesperson for the Chinese navy rejected Japan’s claims, insisting that Japanese aircraft had repeatedly approached and disrupted Chinese naval training exercises. Beijing accused Tokyo of “slandering and smearing” its military and vowed to safeguard its security interests.

Regional and International Reactions

• Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles, visiting Tokyo, expressed “deep concern” over the incident, urging that military interactions remain safe and professional.
• Analysts note this is the first recorded radar lock between Chinese and Japanese military aircraft, marking a serious escalation in their long-standing disputes.
• The confrontation comes amid heightened tensions following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested Japan’s military could intervene if China moved against Taiwan — comments Beijing condemned as crossing a “red line”.

Context and Implications

This episode underscores the fragile state of Sino-Japanese relations, already strained by territorial disputes in the East China Sea and disagreements over Taiwan. Experts warn that such encounters increase the risk of miscalculation or unintended escalation, potentially destabilizing the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Summary:
A Chinese J-15 fighter jet locked radar on Japanese F-15s near Okinawa in two separate incidents, prompting Tokyo to lodge a strong protest. While Japan condemned the act as dangerous, China dismissed the allegations, accusing Japan of harassment. The incident highlights growing military tensions in the region, with international observers urging restraint to prevent escalation.