Japan Warns China After J-15 Radar Lock Near Okinawa

Japan has filed a formal diplomatic protest after two Chinese J-15 fighter jets locked their radars on Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) aircraft in separate incidents south of Okinawa on Saturday. Tokyo said the encounters occurred near the Miyako Strait and prompted Japan to scramble F-15 fighters. Both governments have issued conflicting accounts, further heightening tensions at a time when bilateral relations were already strained.

“These radar illuminations are a dangerous act that goes beyond what is necessary for the safe flight of aircraft. It is extremely regrettable. Japan has strongly protested to the Chinese side, and we firmly requested measures to prevent recurrence,” said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the first incident occurred at 4:32 p.m. local time when a J-15 launched from China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier “intermittently locked its radar” onto an ASDF F-15. A second Chinese aircraft repeated the action approximately two hours later. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi called both radar locks “dangerous and extremely regrettable” and said Japan would respond “calmly and resolutely” to maintain regional stability.

Koizumi said ASDF fighters were deployed after a Chinese aircraft entered Japan’s airspace, prompting a standard scramble. Japanese defense officials stated the ASDF jets “did not do anything that could be considered a provocation” and argued that if the Chinese aircraft were merely trying to identify other planes, “there was no need to lock onto the Japanese aircraft.”

On Sunday, Japan’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Takehiro Funakoshi, summoned Chinese Ambassador Wu Jianghao to issue what the ministry described as a “strong protest,” insisting that Beijing take steps to prevent similar actions.

China rejected Japan’s account. The Chinese Navy said Tokyo’s claims were “completely inconsistent with the facts.” Naval spokesperson Colonel Wang Xuemeng said Japanese aircraft  “repeatedly approached and disrupted” Chinese forces conducting a training exercise east of the Miyako Strait, actions he said “seriously endangered flight safety.” He added, “We solemnly demand that the Japanese side immediately stop slandering and smearing. The Chinese navy will take necessary measures according to law to safeguard its security and legitimate rights and interests.”

China said the Liaoning carrier group’s training activities had been publicly announced and accused Japan of spreading political misinformation. Beijing reiterated that its forces were operating legally in international waters and airspace.