 "Japan accuses China of directing fire-control radar at its aircraft over international waters")
Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Sunday accused the Chinese fighter jets of directing their fire-control radar at Japanese aircraft during two separate incidents. Koizumi emphasised that the Japanese aircraft were targeted while they were flying over international waters near the island of Okinawa.
In a post on X, the Japanese defence minister said that Tokyo has lodged a “strong protest” about the two incidents and made “a stern demand for measures to prevent recurrence”.
“The radar illumination… was a dangerous act that exceeded the range necessary for safe aircraft flight,” he added. China is yet to respond to the matter.
Why is it concerning
It is pertinent to note that a fire-control radar lock is one of the most threatening acts a military aircraft can take since it signals a potential attack, forcing the targeted aircraft to take evasive action. The encounter took place over the island, which is close to disputed territory claimed by both Japan and China.
Defence experts are now calling it the most serious run-in between the two militaries in years. The incident came as ties between the two nations soured over the Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi declaring in November that Tokyo could respond to Chinese military action against Taiwan if the moves also threatened Japan’s security.
The Democratically governed island region is claimed by Beijing and lies just 110km (68.4 miles) from Japan’s westernmost Yonaguni Island. It is also important to note that Japan currently hosts the biggest overseas concentration of United States military power, including warships, aircraft and troops, with a big chunk of that contingent, including thousands of US Marines, based in Okinawa.
Quick Reads
View AllHowever, there was no immediate comment from the US on Japan’s claims about China’s radar use. “It is extremely regrettable that such incidents have occurred,” Koizumi’s statement said. No damages or injuries were reported from Saturday’s incidents near Okinawa, the Japanese defence minister averred.
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