Tokyo, Beijing trade accusations after jets confrontations

(MENAFN) Japan stated that Chinese J-15 jets locked their fire control radars onto Japanese F-15J warplanes on at least two occasions on Saturday over international waters southeast of Okinawa. “These radar illuminations are a dangerous act that went beyond what is necessary for the safe flight of aircraft,” Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters on Sunday. She added that Tokyo had lodged a formal complaint over what she described as “extremely regrettable” behavior.

Beijing rejected Japan’s claims, accusing Japanese aircraft of repeatedly approaching and harassing Chinese Navy forces during previously announced carrier drills. “We solemnly demand that the Japanese side immediately stop slandering and smearing and strictly restrain front-line actions,” Chinese Navy spokesperson Colonel Wang Xuemeng said. He warned that China would “take necessary measures… to resolutely safeguard its own security and legitimate rights and interests.”

Relations between the two countries have worsened since Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister and a conservative hardliner, assumed office in late October. She suggested that any attempt by Beijing to use force to reunify with self-governing Taiwan could create a “survival-threatening situation,” potentially justifying a military response under Japanese law, prompting Chinese accusations of interference.

Beijing further criticized her remarks as “extremely malicious” and “blatantly provocative,” asserting that they violate the One-China principle, which considers Taiwan part of China. The Chinese government insisted that Taiwan is a domestic matter and warned that any Japanese intervention would be viewed as “an act of aggression,” warranting forceful retaliation.

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