December 7, 2025 | 02:20 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has accused China's fighter jets of directing fire control radar at their aircraft in two separate incidents in international waters near Okinawa Island. In a post on X on Sunday morning, December 7, 2025, Koizumi stated that Japan had lodged a strong protest to China regarding both incidents. "We made a stern demand for measures to prevent recurrence," Koizumi said.
"The radar illumination… was a dangerous act that exceeded the range necessary for safe aircraft flight," he said. There have been no direct comments from China.
Fire-control radar guidance is one of the most threatening actions military aircraft can take. The aircraft sends a signal of a potential attack, forcing the targeted aircraft to take evasive action.
As reported by Al Jazeera, the meeting in the islands, which are close to the disputed territory claimed by Japan and China, is the most serious friction between the Chinese and Japanese militaries in several years. The incident comes amid worsening relations between the two countries after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi declared in November that Tokyo would respond to Chinese military actions against Taiwan if such actions also threatened Japan's security.
China claims Taiwan as its territory. Taiwan is located 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Yonaguni Island, Japan's westernmost island. Japan is the largest overseas military base for the United States, including warships, aircraft, and troops. Thousands of U.S. Marines are stationed in Okinawa. There have been no direct comments from the U.S. regarding Japan's claim that China used its radar.
According to Koizumi, the Chinese J-15 jets involved in the two incidents on Saturday were launched from the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning. The aircraft carrier was maneuvering south of the Okinawa Islands alongside three missile destroyer ships. "It is extremely regrettable that such incidents have occurred," Koizumi's statement quoted from Al Jazeera.
He added that there were no reported damages or injuries from Saturday's incidents near Okinawa.
Reuters reported that Taiwan described the increased power as a threat to the Asia-Pacific region. Japan stated that it is closely monitoring China's activities.
Taiwan's coast guard stated on Sunday that they were monitoring exercises conducted by three Chinese maritime safety ships on the western side of the median line in the Taiwan Strait, but described the current situation in the waters around Taiwan as "normal."
Read: Trump's Transactional Diplomacy Alarms Japan, South Korea
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Chinese Airlines Offer Full Refunds for Japan-Bound Flights Amid Diplomatic Spat
1 hari lalu
More than 1,900 flight schedules from China to Japan have been canceled throughout December 2025.
Trump's Transactional Diplomacy Alarms Japan, South Korea
2 hari lalu
Key US allies Japan and South Korea will likely be looking carefully at signals from the Trump administration's recent moves on Ukraine and China.
Job Training Institute Owner Arrested After Indonesian Migrant Worker Dies Neglected in Japan
3 hari lalu
A migrant worker from Bengkulu, Indonesia, has died in Japan after allegedly being abandoned by their recruitment agency.
China Again Sends Letter to UN Chief Over Japan PM's Taiwan Comments
3 hari lalu
China has sent a second letter to the UN protesting Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's 'provocative' statement on Taiwan.
Tokyo's Shibuya Cancels New Year's Eve Countdown Event, Here's Why
3 hari lalu
Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, known for its busy pedestrian crossings, has cancelled the New Year's Eve countdown event at Shibuya Station.
Ramen vs. Udon: What Sets These Two Japanese Noodles Apart
8 hari lalu
From basic ingredients, texture, to serving style, ramen and udon have distinct characteristics.
Russia Warns Japan Against Deploying Missiles on Border Islands
8 hari lalu
The placement of Japan's missiles on border islands poses a serious threat to neighboring countries, including Russia.
Why Ramen Has Overtaken Sushi as Travelers' Favorite Japanese Dish
9 hari lalu
The survey highlights two main reasons tourists gravitate toward ramen.
Trump Advises Japan's Sanae Takaichi Not to Provoke China Over Taiwan
10 hari lalu
President Donald Trump advised Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to avoid provoking China regarding Taiwan's sovereignty.
Japan Debates Nuclear Policy Amid China, North Korea Threats
10 hari lalu
Japan's ruling party is considering scrapping its non-nuclear principles as tensions with China and North Korea escalate, sparking domestic backlash.
