Japan Protests After Chinese Fighter Jets Lock Radar on Japanese Planes
What happened — the short version
On December 6, 2025, Japan says two incidents occurred over international waters near Okinawa in which Shenyang J-15 fighters — operating from the Chinese carrier Liaoning — momentarily or intermittently directed fire-control radar at Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 jets. Tokyo called the actions “dangerous” and lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Beijing. 0
Timeline of the reported incidents
- Dec 6, 2025 (late afternoon): First reported radar lock on a Japanese F-15 during Chinese carrier flight operations. 1
- Dec 6, 2025 (evening): A second, longer incident reported with intermittent fire-control radar locks lasting minutes. 2
- Dec 7–8, 2025: Japan summons China’s ambassador, issues a strong protest, and Tokyo’s leaders condemn the acts while calling for measures to prevent recurrence. China denies wrongdoing, calling Japan’s claims provocative. 3
Official responses
Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi publicly said the incidents were unacceptable and announced a “stern demand for measures to prevent recurrence.” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the behavior as extremely regrettable and vowed a calm but resolute response. 4
Beijing has rejected Japan’s account, arguing that its aircraft were conducting routine training and accusing Japanese forces of interfering with those exercises. Beijing characterized Tokyo’s actions as politically motivated amid other tensions between the two countries. 5
Why radar locks matter
Fire-control radar (often called “lock” in reporting) is designed to cue weapons systems. When such radar is directed at another aircraft, it can be interpreted as a step short of targeting — raising the risk of miscalculation or accidental escalation during close encounters. Past disputes over radar locks have produced significant diplomatic rows in the region. 6
Regional context
The incidents come as Japan-China relations have been strained by disputes over Taiwan, the Senkaku Islands, and recent political rhetoric. Japan’s public warning that it may take action if China threatens Taiwan has further aggravated ties, and Beijing has responded with trade and diplomatic pressures in recent months. The latest incidents add to a pattern of increasingly frequent and riskier military interactions in the Indo-Pacific. 7
What to watch next
- Whether Japan and China pursue diplomatic de-escalation talks or whether Tokyo seeks allied support during consultations. 8
- If Japan increases air and maritime patrols or issues new rules of engagement to reduce collision and escalation risks. 9
- Any responses from regional partners (Australia, the U.S., Taiwan) that could shape the broader security posture. 10
Bottom line: Tokyo has lodged a formal protest and described the incidents as dangerous — Beijing says its forces were conducting routine training. Observers warn that repeated close encounters and radar lock claims raise the prospect of miscalculation in an already tense region. 11
