Overview
- Tokyo says Chinese J-15s twice illuminated Japanese F-15Js with fire-control radar near the Miyako Strait on Saturday, calling the action a dangerous act and lodging a formal protest.
- Japan reports the incidents occurred from 16:32–16:35 and 18:37–19:08 local time and says this is its first public accusation of a Chinese aircraft using fire-control radar against its forces.
- The Liaoning carrier group has continued operations near Okinawa with three missile destroyers, and Japan is closely tracking the formation.
- Japan observed about 50 takeoffs and landings by carrier-based fighters and helicopters and scrambled its own aircraft in response.
- Beijing says the activities were regular, lawful training and accuses Japanese forces of interference, while Australia has voiced deep concern and support for Japan.