Wed Dec 10 17:27:44 UTC 2025: ## US Condemns China’s Radar Lock on Japanese Aircraft Amid Rising Tensions
WASHINGTON/TOKYO – December 10, 2025 – The United States has publicly criticized China for the first time after a reported incident last week where Chinese military aircraft allegedly aimed radars at Japanese military planes during a training exercise. This incident, near Japan’s Okinawa islands, has further strained relations between the Asian powers, already tense following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan.
According to Beijing, the Japanese aircraft repeatedly disrupted Chinese navy carrier-based flight training east of the Miyako Strait, which was previously announced. However, Tokyo blasted China’s actions as “dangerous,” citing the radar lock as a potentially threatening step that could force targeted aircraft to take evasive action.
“China’s actions are not conducive to regional peace and stability,” a State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday, emphasizing the U.S.-Japan Alliance remains “stronger and more united than ever.”
Adding to the heightened security environment, Japan scrambled jets late Tuesday to monitor joint patrols by Russian and Chinese air forces around the country.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, speaking in Taipei, condemned China’s drills as “very inappropriate behaviour” and urged Beijing to demonstrate responsibility and foster peace.
The diplomatic row began last month after Prime Minister Takaichi stated that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo. Beijing has demanded a retraction and advised its citizens against traveling to Japan.
While U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass has expressed support for Japan on social media, President Trump and other senior officials have remained relatively silent. Reports indicate that Trump urged Takaichi not to escalate the dispute during a phone call last month, as he plans to visit Beijing next year for trade talks.
First Piper 