Relations between China and Japan, already strained by recent remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan, escalated further this weekend after a Chinese fighter jet locked fire-control radar on Japanese military aircraft for the first time.
The incident adds a new layer of tension following Takaichi’s comments last month, suggesting that Japan could deploy its military alongside other nations if China were to attack Taiwan.
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Conflicting Accounts from Tokyo and Beijing
The two countries offered differing accounts of the events. According to Tokyo, a Chinese fighter jet targeted Japanese planes over international waters on Saturday. Conversely, Beijing claimed Japanese jets interfered with its routine air training operations.
“This is extremely unfortunate. We strongly protested to China and demanded measures to prevent any recurrence,” Takaichi said in a TBS News broadcast. “We will respond calmly and firmly.”
China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed Japan’s claims as false, accusing Tokyo of attempting to escalate tensions and mislead the international community. “China does not accept the so-called protest from the Japanese side and has rejected it on the spot, lodging counter-protests in Beijing and Tokyo,” the ministry said in a statement.
Background: Diplomatic Dispute Over Taiwan
The radar-lock incident comes amid an ongoing diplomatic standoff sparked by Takaichi’s comments, which Beijing has criticized as interference in China’s internal affairs. China has issued economic and diplomatic reprisals and demanded a retraction, which the Japanese prime minister has refused.
On Wednesday, Takaichi reiterated that Japan understands and respects China’s position on Taiwan, a statement some Chinese social media users interpreted as an attempt to soften her earlier remarks.
Details of the Radar-Lock Incident
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi reported that a Chinese J-15 fighter intermittently targeted two Japanese F-15 jets over waters southeast of Okinawa Prefecture.
- The first radar lock lasted approximately three minutes after 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
- The second incident occurred about two hours later, targeting a different F-15 for roughly 30 minutes.
The F-15s had been deployed to verify that Chinese aircraft launching from an aircraft carrier were not entering Japanese airspace.
Beijing, meanwhile, accused Japanese aircraft of repeatedly approaching and disrupting Chinese training exercises, warning that such actions endangered flight safety.
International Response
Australian Minister for Defence Richard Marles, meeting Koizumi in Tokyo, described the events as “concerning.” He emphasized that interactions between defense forces must remain “safe and professional.”
Koizumi reiterated Japan’s commitment to responding firmly and calmly to maintain regional peace and stability.
Historical Context
While the intention behind China’s recent radar-lock remains unclear, similar incidents have occurred in the past. In 2013, a Chinese ship targeted a Japanese destroyer with fire-control radar during a dispute over uninhabited islands in the East China Sea.
Since Takaichi’s November remarks, China has taken a series of retaliatory measures, including travel advisories against Japan, diplomatic protests, and outreach to other nations reaffirming the “One China” principle. Reports indicate Japanese companies have also faced delays in obtaining Chinese clearance for imports of minerals, including rare earths.
Japan’s Position
Despite the rising tensions, Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi have stressed that Japan’s stance aligns with the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement. The communique recognizes China’s view of Taiwan as an “inalienable part of its territory” without explicitly endorsing the “One China” principle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened between China and Japan?
A Chinese fighter jet locked its fire-control radar on Japanese F-15 jets over international waters near Okinawa. This is the first such recorded incident between the two countries.
Why did this incident occur?
The exact reason is unclear. Japan says it was a hostile action, while China claims Japanese jets interfered with its routine training exercises. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions over Taiwan following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks.
How did Japan respond?
Japan lodged a formal protest, calling the incident “extremely unfortunate” and emphasized it would respond calmly but firmly. Japanese jets had been scrambled to monitor Chinese aircraft and ensure they did not enter Japanese airspace.
How did China respond?
China rejected Japan’s protest, calling it false and accusing Japan of escalating tensions. Beijing claims its fighter jets were conducting standard training and that Japanese aircraft endangered flight safety.
Has this happened before?
Yes. Similar incidents have occurred, including a 2013 event where a Chinese ship locked radar on a Japanese destroyer during a territorial dispute in the East China Sea.
What is the broader context?
The incident follows Takaichi’s comments suggesting Japan could deploy military forces with other nations if China attacked Taiwan. China has reacted with diplomatic and economic measures, including travel advisories and delays for Japanese imports.
Conclusion
The recent radar-lock incident underscores the fragility of China-Japan relations amid the ongoing Taiwan dispute. While both nations offer conflicting accounts, the event highlights the potential risks of miscalculation in the region. Japan has emphasized a calm yet firm response, reaffirming its commitment to peace and stability, while China continues to assert its territorial claims and reject Japanese accusations.
