Sun Dec 07 10:33:14 UTC 2025: News Article:
China-Japan Tensions Flare as Chinese Jets Lock Radar on Japanese Aircraft, Australia Urges Calm
TOKYO – December 7, 2025 – Tensions between China and Japan escalated sharply after Chinese military aircraft locked radar on Japanese fighter jets on Saturday, prompting strong protests from Tokyo and calls for restraint from Australia. The incident occurred near Okinawa as Japanese jets shadowed Chinese aircraft conducting exercises off the Chinese carrier Liaoning, raising concerns about escalating military activity in the region.
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi condemned the incident as “extremely regrettable” and “a dangerous one,” stating that Japan had lodged a formal protest with Beijing demanding preventative measures. China defended its actions, accusing Japanese aircraft of “harassment” and asserting its right to conduct exercises in the area.
The incident comes a month after controversial remarks by the Japanese Prime Minister on Taiwan that further strained relations between Tokyo and Beijing. Japan and Australia, holding scheduled talks in Tokyo, expressed deep concern over the development. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized the need for safe and professional interactions and reiterated Australia’s desire to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
Both nations agreed to deepen military ties, establishing a strategic defence coordination framework. This incident marks the first time Chinese military aircraft have been reported to have locked radar on Japanese aircraft, raising fears of potential miscalculations and escalating regional tensions. In a separate incident in the South China Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that Chinese forces fired flares at a Philippine plane on patrol.
Summary of the text:
On December 6, 2025, Chinese military aircraft locked radar on Japanese fighter jets near Okinawa, leading to protests from Japan and concerns from Australia. Japan condemned the incident as dangerous and lodged a formal protest with China. China defended its actions, accusing Japan of harassment. This event follows recent tensions over Japan’s stance on Taiwan. Japan and Australia, in talks, expressed concern and agreed to strengthen military ties. Separately, China fired flares at a Philippine plane in the South China Sea.
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