NewsJapan summons China envoy over ‘fighter jet radar lock’ as tensions surgeFeuding countries trade accusations amid escalating dispute following Japanese PM’s comments about Taiwan.
## Regulation: Japan-China Military Radar Incident
Regulation: Japan-China Military Radar Incident
Japan has summoned China's ambassador following an incident involving Chinese military aircraft allegedly locking fire-control radar onto Japanese fighter jets. This event has heightened tensions between the two nations.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a formal protest against the actions of Chinese J-15 fighter jets in international waters southeast of Okinawa on Sat, Dec 6, 2025. The ministry described the behavior as dangerous and "extremely regrettable."
According to Japan, the Chinese fighter jets from the Liaoning aircraft carrier directed radar beams at Japanese aircraft, which were scrambled to monitor the carrier's movements. The Chinese embassy has denied these claims.
Illuminating aircraft with radar is considered a potential prelude to an attack, prompting targeted planes to undertake evasive maneuvers. This action is among the most severe threats a military aircraft can pose.
The summoning of Ambassador Wu Jianghao occurs amidst strained diplomatic relations between Japan and China. The tension intensified when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would pose a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, implying potential military intervention by Tokyo.
Illuminating aircraft with radar is considered a potential prelude to an attack, prompting targeted planes to undertake evasive maneuvers.
These comments have provoked a strong reaction from Beijing, which considers Taiwan its territory. The diplomatic dispute has led China to summon the Japanese ambassador, communicate with the United Nations, and advise citizens against traveling to Japan. Additionally, China has reinstated a ban on Japanese seafood imports, affecting cultural exchanges.
In response to the incident, the Chinese Navy claimed that Japanese F-15s repeatedly approached its training area, jeopardizing flight safety. However, Japan's chief government spokesman Minoru Kihara dismissed these accusations as unfounded.
Japan reported approximately 100 take-offs and landings from the Chinese aircraft carrier as it navigated east into the Pacific Ocean past the Okinawa Islands. Japan asserts its intent to monitor Chinese military movements calmly but resolutely in the region.
The Chinese embassy has refuted Japan's assertions, demanding that Japan cease its allegations and control its frontline actions to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Japan is home to the largest foreign deployment of US military forces, including US Marines stationed in Okinawa. The US ambassador to Japan has expressed support for Tokyo in the ongoing dispute with Beijing. However, US President Donald Trump, who plans to visit China for trade discussions next year, has not yet engaged in the controversy.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.