Overview
- Japan says J-15 fighters from the carrier Liaoning intermittently directed fire-control radar at Japanese F-15s twice on Dec. 6 southeast of Okinawa, at about 4:32 p.m. and 6:37 p.m.
- There were no injuries or damage and no breach of Japanese airspace, with Tokyo calling the acts dangerous and beyond what is necessary for safe flight operations.
- Vice Foreign Minister Funakoshi Takehiro summoned Chinese Ambassador Wu Jianghao for a strong protest and demanded measures to prevent a repeat, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged a calm, resolute response with heightened vigilance.
- China rejected Japan’s account as completely inconsistent with the facts, accusing Japanese aircraft of harassment during pre-announced training east of the Miyako Strait and lodging a counter-protest.
- Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles voiced deep concern and advanced defence coordination talks with Japan, reflecting regional worries about miscalculation near Taiwan and the Senkaku/Diaoyu area.