Overview
- Japan’s defense ministry says two J-15s from carrier Liaoning intermittently locked fire-control radar on F-15s at 4:32 p.m. and 6:37 p.m. local time on Saturday southeast of Okinawa, lasting about three minutes and then about 30 minutes.
- Vice Foreign Minister Funakoshi Takehiro summoned Ambassador Wu Jianghao to deliver a strong protest and demand measures to prevent a recurrence, with officials reporting no airspace breach, injuries, or damage.
- Beijing rejects Tokyo’s account as inconsistent with the facts, accuses Japanese aircraft of harassing pre-announced training east of the Miyako Strait, and says it has lodged counter-protests in Beijing and Tokyo.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledges a calm, resolute response and tighter surveillance, as Japan continues tracking the Liaoning task group reported operating in the Philippine Sea east of Kikaijima.
- Australia’s defense minister voices deep concern and signals closer defense coordination with Japan following the radar-lock incidents.