Overview
- Tokyo reports two Saturday encounters near Okinawa in which Chinese J-15s used fire-control radar associated with weapon targeting against Japanese fighters.
- Japan lodged a formal protest and called the actions dangerous and extremely regrettable, urging Beijing to prevent any recurrence.
- China rejected the allegations, saying the Liaoning carrier group was conducting announced training and accusing Japanese aircraft of approaching the area.
- Japan reported no injuries or damage, with one of the encounters described by Tokyo as occurring over international waters.
- The incidents follow weeks of friction linked to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks and a planned missile deployment on Yonaguni, drawing concern from partners such as Australia.