- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 08 Dec 2025 07:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tensions between China and Japan surged sharply after Tokyo accused Chinese fighter jets of carrying out dangerous military manoeuvres near Japan’s Okinawa islands, raising fears of a serious regional flashpoint, though both sides stopped short of signalling an immediate military confrontation.
Japan said on Sunday that Chinese fighter aircraft had twice locked fire-control radar onto Japanese military planes flying over international waters southeast of Okinawa’s main island. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the actions as “extremely regrettable” and “highly dangerous”, arguing that such radar illumination is typically used to prepare for a potential attack.
Chinese Ambassador Summoned
Japanese officials said the incident involved Chinese J-15 fighter jets operating from the Liaoning aircraft carrier. The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force had scrambled jets to monitor the carrier's movements when the radar locks allegedly occurred. China's embassy in Tokyo rejected the account and insisted that its military activities were lawful and professional.
In reply, Japan called in China's ambassador Wu Jianghao and lodged a formal diplomatic protest, escalating the confrontation from military channels to open diplomatic dispute. The incident comes amid rapidly deteriorating relations between Beijing and Tokyo, largely shaped by escalating rhetoric over Taiwan.
Diplomatic friction amplified last month when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.
China Strikes Back
In response to Takaichi's remarks, China summoned Japan's ambassador, raised the issue at the United Nations, urged citizens not to travel to Japan and renewed a ban on Japanese seafood. There are also reports of cultural spillovers: Japanese films are facing cancellations or postponements both in China and Hong Kong.
Chinese state media has accused Japan of accelerating construction of a new military base on Mageshima Island, adding to the tension. Reports say that Tokyo intends to construct a base for the Japan Self-Defense Forces on the island and also relocate FCLP of US carrier-based aircraft to the island. Construction is due to be finished in 2030; however, Beijing expects that the base development indicates Japan's long-term military expansion.