China's navy conducted training flights from its aircraft carrier Liaoning in the Pacific after passing waters off Okinawa, prompting Japan to scramble Self-Defense Force jets. Chinese fighters locked radar onto Japanese aircraft twice, leading to a strong protest from Tokyo. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions over Taiwan.
On Saturday, December 6, China's navy conducted takeoff and landing drills with fighters and helicopters from its aircraft carrier Liaoning in the Pacific Ocean after the ship passed through waters off Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa. The Japanese Defense Ministry spotted the Liaoning in the East China Sea on Friday, about 420 kilometers north of Kuba Island, an islet controlled by Japan but claimed by China. Accompanied by three Chinese destroyers, the carrier proceeded to the Pacific and carried out the exercises approximately 270 kilometers west of Okidaito Island, prompting the Air Self-Defense Force to scramble F-15 fighters.
These drills mark the first confirmed such operations in waters around Japan since China commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, last month. Experts note that with three carriers, China can rotate them, keeping at least one deployed while others undergo maintenance, enhancing its operational capabilities far from the mainland.
During the exercises, Chinese J-15 fighters launched from the Liaoning twice locked their fire-control radar onto Japanese F-15s over international waters southeast of Okinawa. The Defense Ministry described the radar-locking as a dangerous act exceeding necessary measures for safe aircraft operations. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated in a Sunday morning press conference, “This radar-locking constitutes a dangerous act exceeding the scope necessary for safe aircraft operations. The occurrence of such an incident is deeply regrettable. We have lodged a strong protest with the Chinese side and demanded strict measures to prevent a recurrence.” The Japanese government issued the protest through diplomatic and defense channels on Saturday, calling it a highly dangerous act that could lead to unexpected incidents.
The incident heightens tensions between the neighbors, fueled by Okinawa's proximity to Taiwan, which Beijing views as a renegade province to be reunified by force if needed. Recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, suggesting a military attack on Taiwan could pose a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan and potentially involve the Self-Defense Forces, have exacerbated diplomatic strains. China's increasing maritime assertiveness alarms Japan and other Indo-Pacific nations.
