Overview
- Japan’s defense ministry says two Chinese J-15s from carrier Liaoning intermittently locked fire-control radar onto separate F-15s at about 4:32 p.m. and 6:37 p.m. local time on Saturday.
- There were no reported injuries, damage, or breaches of Japanese airspace, and Japanese fighters kept a safe distance while monitoring the carrier group.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi vowed a calm, resolute response as Vice Foreign Minister Funakoshi Takehiro summoned Ambassador Wu Jianghao to lodge a protest and demand measures to prevent a recurrence.
- China’s navy and foreign ministry denied Japan’s account, accused Japanese aircraft of harassment near a pre-announced training area east of the Miyako Strait, and said counter-protests were filed.
- Australia voiced deep concern and moved to deepen defense coordination with Japan, while Tokyo continues tracking the Liaoning task group; the episode is widely reported as the first radar lock between the countries’ military aircraft.