On Sunday, 7 December 2025, the government of Tokyo formally protested after two separate incidents in which jets from the Chinese navy reportedly directed fire-control radar on Japanese military aircraft flying near the island of Okinawa.
According to a statement by the Japan Self‑Defense Forces (JSDF), the radar “illuminations” occurred twice on Saturday while Chinese J-15 jets launched from the carrier Liaoning were conducting air-operations south-east of Okinawa. The first instance reportedly lasted about three minutes in the late afternoon, the second some 30 minutes in the evening. No aircraft were damaged and no injuries were reported.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi condemned the incidents, calling them “extremely regrettable.” Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described the radar-lock as a dangerous act that “exceeded the scope necessary for safe aircraft operations.” A formal protest has been lodged with Beijing.
What happened — sequence of events, official accounts
According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense:
- On 6 December, Chinese J-15 jets took off from the Liaoning, which had sailed into waters south of Okinawa accompanied by several missile destroyers. Approximately 100 take-offs and landings were recorded.
- JSDF scrambled F-15 fighter jets to shadow the Chinese formation at a safe distance over international waters. During these operations, the Chinese jets allegedly intermittently locked their fire-control radar on Japanese planes — a highly provocative act, as radar lock indicates targeting for possible missile engagement.
- Japan insists the JSDF jets maintained safe separation throughout and did not interfere with Chinese operations; there was no breach of Japanese airspace.
In response, the Chinese military dismissed the allegation, claiming Japanese aircraft repeatedly approached and harassed its carrier group, disrupting their drills. A navy spokesperson accused Tokyo of smearing China’s “lawful and announced” training, and demanded Japan restrain its “front-line actions.”
Diplomatic fallout — envoy summoned, tension mounts
In a strong diplomatic move, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese ambassador to Tokyo, formally protesting the “dangerous and irresponsible” behaviour and demanding steps to prevent recurrence.
The confrontation comes in the wake of heightened tensions between the two nations following remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister in November — suggesting Tokyo might act if a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatened Japanese security. Beijing responded with sharp diplomatic and economic counter-measures.
Many analysts view the radar-lock incidents as part of a growing pattern of maritime and aerial provocations — likely aimed at signalling Beijing’s displeasure with Tokyo’s evolving security posture.
Regional and international reactions — support for Japan’s right to protest
Allied countries voiced concern. Officials from Canberra declared the radar-lock a provocation undermining regional stability. Australia pledged to cooperate with Tokyo in safeguarding rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
Interestingly, while the United States Department of Defense has not issued an immediate public condemnation, Washington’s ambassador to Japan expressed informal support for Tokyo’s reaction — reflecting continued US backing for Japan in the regional security architecture.
In Tokyo, opposition lawmakers and security commentators urged the government to urgently strengthen air and maritime surveillance, accelerate defense cooperation with allies, and review contingency planning around the East China Sea — particularly near the southwest islands chain.
What it means — dangerous signal in a volatile region
Military experts warn that locking radar onto another country’s aircraft is one of the most serious forms of non-kinetic provocation — it’s often a prelude to missile launch. While no missiles were fired this time, the incident underscores how close Tokyo and Beijing are to potentially spiralling into a dangerous miscalculation — especially given the proximity to contested islands and strategic sea lanes.
Moreover, with Japan’s supply of US military equipment and intelligence sharing capabilities, the event could accelerate defense integration among Japan, Australia and other allied partners — and further shift the regional balance.
For public opinion in Japan, the incident revives deep concerns over national security — especially among island communities in Okinawa and the wider southwestern prefectures, many of which already face repeated incursions, maritime intrusions, and military exercises.
What to watch next — escalation or restraint
Key indicators to follow in the coming days:
- Whether Beijing issues further statements or escalates the confrontation through naval or aerial posturing near the Miyako Strait or the south-east of Okinawa.
- Whether Tokyo recalibrates its alert levels or defense posture around the Nansei (Ryukyu) islands.
- Moves by allies such as Australia, the United States, and other regional powers — whether to increase joint patrols, strengthen diplomatic support for Japan, or call for de-escalation.
- Developments in the broader Taiwan-China standoff — how the radar-lock incident intersects with strategic calculations over Taiwan, regional supply lines, and security commitments by Japan.
Right now, the radar lock episodes are more than an isolated incident — they mark a significant escalation in the military-diplomatic standoff between two of Asia’s major powers, with implications far beyond Okinawa’s skies.
