The ongoing tensions between Beijing and Tokyo have now taken a dangerous turn after Chinese fighter jets repeatedly locked radar onto Japanese aircraft in a serious escalation over the East China Sea.
Chinese analysts have openly threatened war against Japan unless Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi retracts her comments on Taiwan made in the Diet last month. The diplomatic tensions also reached the UN, with both sides sending letters to the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, reaffirming their position on Taiwan.
Japan’s Defence Ministry confirmed late on Saturday that Chinese military aircraft intermittently locked its radar onto Air Self-Defence Force fighter jets twice. The ministry confirmed that incidents occurred over the territorial waters in southeast Okinawa Main Island.
On Sunday, Defence Minister Koizumi Shinjiro said at least one Chinese J-15 fighter jet took off from the aircraft carrier Liaoning. He said the aircraft intermittently locked its radar twice onto ASDF F-15 fighter planes that had been scrambled in response to a possible air incursion into Tokyo’s airspace.
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Experts point out that the hostile manoeuvring is part of China’s policy over Taiwan, as Beijing takes the matter very seriously when it comes to Taiwan. The ministry also said that China’s manoeuvring is a concerning and deeply disturbing development for the region.
It’s possibly the first time in recent history that Chinese fighter jets have locked on to the Japanese aircraft. Koizumi said the actions of the Chinese military were dangerous acts that went beyond the scope necessary for the safe flight of an aircraft. He said he deeply regrets that such an incident occurred.
Beijing has yet to issue an official response to the Japanese allegations.
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