Japan Accuses China of Targeting Military Aircraft

TOKYO: Japan has accused Chinese fighter jets of taking a “highly dangerous and provocative” action by targeting Japanese military aircraft near the southern Okinawa islands. Japan has officially lodged a protest against China over the incidents.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated that in two separate incidents on Saturday, Chinese warplanes targeted Japanese aircraft using fire-control radar, which constitutes a serious violation of air safety protocols. He emphasized that the actions went far beyond standard safe-flight practices.

China, however, rejected Japan’s claims, asserting that Japanese aircraft repeatedly approached Chinese naval forces and interfered with their operations. Chinese Navy spokesperson Colonel Wang Shuiming said China was conducting pre-announced naval exercises near the East Miyako Strait, during which Japanese flights were deemed dangerous.

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The incidents come amid heightened tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan in recent weeks. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has previously warned that Japan may respond if Chinese military actions against Taiwan threaten Japan’s security.

Using fire-control radar on another aircraft is widely considered a direct threat, forcing the targeted plane to take immediate defensive measures. Japan has not clarified whether China had officially “locked on” to its aircraft.