### Rising Tensions: Japan Protests After Chinese Jets Lock Radar on Its Aircraft Recent military encounters between Japan and China have escalated tensions in the region, particularly following incidents where Chinese fighter jets reportedly locked their radar onto Japanese military aircraft. Japan's Defense Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, emphasized the need for a "resolute and calm" response to maintain regional peace and stability, indicating the seriousness of the situation [https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/08/chinese-jets-point-radar-at-japanese-aircraft-japan-says.html]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Responses 1. **Incident Overview**: - On December 6, Chinese J-15 fighter jets, operating from the Liaoning aircraft carrier, locked their fire-control radar onto Japanese F-15 jets over international waters near Okinawa. This act was described by Japan as a "dangerous and extremely regrettable" escalation [https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/japan-china-tensions-escalate-in-indo-pacific-over-radar-confrontation]. 2. **Diplomatic Actions**: - In response to the radar locking incidents, Japan summoned a Chinese diplomat to lodge a formal protest, expressing strong discontent with China's military actions [https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/japan/japan-china-military-jet-radar-b2879877.html]. - Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, reiterated that the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) maintained a safe distance from the Chinese aircraft, countering claims of interference from China [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/tokyo-dismisses-chinas-radar-lock-accusation-as-tensions-rise-over-taiwan-remarks]. 3. **Claims and Counterclaims**: - Japan has firmly rejected China's assertion that its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) interfered during Chinese naval training, labeling the radar locks as "dangerous acts" [https://www.thehawk.in/news/world/japan-rejects-chinas-claim-about-interference-by-jsdf-fighter-jets]. - China, on the other hand, maintains that its military activities are lawful and professional, dismissing Japan's accusations as unfounded [https://www.eurasiantimes.com/chinas-j-15-naval-fighter-radar-locks-japans-f-15-combat-jet-amid-growing-beijing-tokyo-tensions]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Incident Details**: - **Date**: December 6, 2025 - **Location**: International waters near Okinawa - **Aircraft Involved**: Chinese J-15 and Japanese F-15 jets - **Nature of Incident**: Chinese jets locked fire-control radar onto Japanese aircraft, prompting a formal protest from Japan [https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/chinese-j-15s-target-japanese-f-15js-with-radar-lock-near-okinawa/165607.article]. - **Statements from Officials**: - Japan's Defense Minister described the incidents as "dangerous" and emphasized the importance of clear communication between the two nations to prevent further escalation [https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3335493/tokyo-accuses-chinese-fighters-locking-japanese-jets-northeast-taiwan]. ### Conclusion: A Call for Caution Amid Rising Tensions The recent radar-locking incidents between Chinese and Japanese military aircraft highlight a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations. 1. **Key Findings**: - **Escalation of Military Tensions**: The radar incidents represent one of the most serious military confrontations in recent years, with both nations trading accusations [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/asia-pacific/china-accused-of-targeting-japanese-planes-in-deeply-concerning-incident/a1714665884.html]. - **Diplomatic Strain**: Japan's formal protests and the summoning of Chinese diplomats indicate a deteriorating diplomatic relationship, exacerbated by recent comments from Japanese officials regarding potential military responses to threats from China [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/08/japan-china-radar-fighter-jets-claims]. 2. **Recommendations for Future Engagement**: - Both nations should prioritize diplomatic dialogue to de-escalate tensions and ensure regional stability, particularly in light of ongoing concerns regarding Taiwan and broader security issues in the Indo-Pacific region [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/japan-summons-china-envoy-over-fighter-jet-incident-101671234052052.html].