Overview
- Japan says Chinese J-15s from carrier Liaoning intermittently locked or directed radar at ASDF F-15s on Dec. 6 near Okinawa, calling the moves dangerous.
- Beijing denies hostile intent and published audio claiming prior drill notification; Tokyo disputes receiving proper notice, reports no response on the defense hotline, and China’s top diplomat accused Japan of threatening China militarily.
- Japan’s Defense Ministry counted roughly 140 Liaoning aircraft takeoffs and landings over several days in the Pacific east of Okinawa.
- Tokyo scrambled fighters after Chinese and Russian bombers conducted a long-range joint flight near Japan, which Japan’s defense chief labeled a show of force, with no airspace violations reported.
- The U.S. State Department criticized China’s radar actions as harmful to regional stability and reaffirmed that the U.S.-Japan alliance remains strong.