China’s Liaoning carrier group launched intense air drills near Japan over the weekend, escalating tensions between the neighbours. Japan said the carrier conducted about 100 take-offs and landings as it moved past Okinawa. Tokyo also protested that Chinese fighter jets targeted its aircraft with radar.
Japan summoned China’s ambassador after the alleged radar incident and called the actions dangerous and regrettable. Tokyo said its aircraft were shadowing the carrier when the Chinese jets used radar. China rejected the claim and accused Japan of flying too close during the drills. The Chinese embassy demanded that Tokyo stop what it called smears and prevent similar incidents.
Read more: Tokyo says Chinese jets locked radar onto Japan fighters
Japan’s chief cabinet secretary dismissed China’s accusations and said Japanese aircraft acted safely. He said Japan would respond calmly but firmly while watching Chinese forces near its territory. The dispute followed comments from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about possible Japanese action if China moved against Taiwan. Those remarks prompted China to warn its citizens about travel to Japan.
China has increased military pressure on Taiwan, which it claims as its own, although the island rejects Beijing’s position. Taiwan lies close to Japan’s southwest islands, adding to Tokyo’s concerns. China also paused plans to restart seafood imports after Japan released treated water from the Fukushima plant. These actions deepened the diplomatic strain.
Read more: China warns Japan over Taiwan at UN
Japan hosts a major U.S. military presence in Okinawa, making the region even more sensitive. The United States has not formally commented on the radar claim, although its ambassador earlier expressed support for Japan. However, President Donald Trump has stayed silent as he prepares for trade talks in Beijing next year. The dispute highlights rising tensions in the western Pacific.