Japan has issued a formal diplomatic protest to China following what it describes as a dangerous radar lock incident involving military aircraft near the southern island of Okinawa. The event marks a significant escalation in aerial tensions between the two Asian powers.
A Dangerous Radar Lock Over the Pacific
The Japanese Defence Ministry stated that on Saturday, 7 December 2025, a Chinese J-15 fighter jet launched from the aircraft carrier Liaoning targeted its fire-control radar at Japanese F-15 fighter jets on two separate occasions. The first incident lasted for approximately three minutes in the late afternoon, followed by a second, longer episode of around 30 minutes in the evening.
The radar lock was detected by Japanese F-15s that had been scrambled to monitor the Chinese aircraft's movements. Officials confirmed that there was no breach of Japanese airspace, and no injuries or damage resulted from the encounter. It remains unclear whether the same Chinese J-15 was involved in both instances.
Japan's Strong Protest and Regional Context
Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi addressed the media in the early hours of Sunday, condemning the Chinese pilot's actions. He characterised the radar lock as "a dangerous act that exceeded the scope necessary for safe aircraft operations".
"The occurrence of such an incident is extremely regrettable," Koizumi stated. "We have lodged a strong protest with the Chinese side and demanded strict preventive measures."
This confrontation occurs against a backdrop of sharply deteriorating relations. The downturn was triggered in early November by remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested Japan's military could intervene if China took action against Taiwan. Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province, reacted with fury to this statement.
Carrier Operations and Military Significance
The incident took place as the Liaoning carrier group was conducting flight operations in the Pacific, passing between Okinawa's main island and Miyako Island. Japanese fighters maintained a safe distance while shadowing the Chinese aircraft, avoiding any actions that could be seen as provocative.
Military analysts note the serious nature of a radar lock. Fighter jets use radars for search purposes, but a fire-control radar lock is a step often taken immediately before a missile launch. This is believed to be the first recorded instance of such an incident involving Japanese and Chinese military aircraft. A similar maritime event occurred in 2013 when a Chinese warship targeted its radar on a Japanese destroyer.
The latest episode underscores the growing risks of military miscalculation in a region already fraught with geopolitical tension, particularly concerning the status of Taiwan and freedom of navigation in the East and South China Seas.
