Sun Dec 07 01:12:15 UTC 2025: Summary:
Chinese fighter jets targeted Japanese aircraft with fire-control radar in two separate incidents over international waters near Japan’s Okinawan islands on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi condemned the actions as “dangerous” and lodged a protest with China. The incidents occurred close to disputed territory and are likely to escalate tensions between the two nations, particularly given Japan’s recent warnings about responding to potential Chinese military action against Taiwan. The Chinese jets involved were launched from the Liaoning aircraft carrier. The incidents follow reports of a large-scale Chinese naval build-up in East Asian waters.
News Article:
Tensions Soar as Chinese Jets Target Japanese Aircraft with Radar
TOKYO – December 7, 2025 – Japan has lodged a formal protest with China after Chinese fighter jets locked onto Japanese aircraft with fire-control radar in two separate incidents over international waters near the Okinawan islands on Saturday. Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi condemned the actions as “dangerous,” stating the radar illumination “went beyond what is necessary for the safe flight of aircraft.”
The incidents, occurring near disputed territory claimed by both nations, are expected to further strain already tense relations between Japan and China. Concerns are heightened due to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent warning that Japan might respond to any Chinese military action against Taiwan if it posed a threat to Japan’s security.
According to Japan, the Chinese J-15 jets were launched from the Liaoning aircraft carrier, which was operating south of the Okinawan islands accompanied by three missile destroyers. These events followed reports from Thursday of a significant Chinese naval and coast guard presence in East Asian waters, reportedly exceeding 100 vessels. Taiwan’s government has described the build-up as a threat to the Indo-Pacific region.
Japan, which hosts a substantial U.S. military presence including warships, aircraft, and troops, has stated it is closely monitoring Chinese activity. The U.S. State Department has yet to comment on the incidents. Calls to the Chinese defence ministry outside of office hours on Sunday were not answered.
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