Japan is calling for a strong response after a Chinese military jet reportedly used fire-control radar on Japanese Air Self-Defense Force aircraft near Okinawa. The radar targeting incident has escalated political concern in Tokyo and highlighted rising tension in regional airspace.
Government officials said the encounter happened over international waters. They added that ASDF pilots followed established procedures and maintained safe distance throughout the flight. However, lawmakers argued the radar targeting created a serious risk of miscalculation and could trigger conflict.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party held an emergency meeting on Monday. Several lawmakers criticized China’s actions and urged the government to defend Japan’s position quickly and clearly. Policy Research Council Chairman Takayuki Kobayashi said the act was extremely dangerous and unacceptable.
China later accused Japan of approaching a training zone and interfering with military exercises. Yet Japanese officials rejected that claim. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said China’s explanation does not reflect the facts and is inconsistent with international aviation norms.
Kihara also called the radar targeting reckless and regrettable. He stated that the government will respond through diplomatic channels and continue monitoring military movements in the region.
Lawmakers said Japan must not lose ground in messaging or diplomacy. Some argued that continued radar targeting incidents could normalize unsafe behavior and weaken regional stability.
Experts note that encounters between Chinese and Japanese aircraft have increased. They warn the situation may worsen without clearer communication or military de-escalation frameworks.
Japan is expected to issue a formal protest and review additional response measures. The government said further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
