Tensions Escalate Between Japan and China After Disrupted Naval exercise
TOKYO/BEIJING – December 7, 2023 – Relations between Japan and China have reached a new low following a series of incidents near Okinawa on Saturday, December 6, described by Beijing as “the most serious incident in recent years in waters disputed by the two countries.” The dispute centers on claims that Japanese fighter planes disrupted pre-announced aerial training exercises conducted by the Chinese Navy in the Miyako Strait.
According to Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Chinese fighter aircraft directed their radars towards japanese military planes during two “dangerous” incidents. Koizumi stated on X (formerly Twitter), “These radar illuminations go further than is necessary for flight safety,” and confirmed Japan has lodged a formal complaint with China, calling the incidents “regrettable.”
China’s Navy spokesperson, Colonel Wang Xuemeng, countered that Japanese planes repeatedly approached and interfered with the Chinese naval training. Wang demanded that Japan “immediately stop its slander and defamation and strictly restrict its actions on the ground,” adding that the Chinese Navy would “take necessary measures…to resolutely protect its own security, legitimate rights and interests.”
The use of radar lock - directing radar at another aircraft - is considered a potentially aggressive act, signaling a possible attack.Japan has not disclosed whether its aircraft were radar-locked or how it responded.
the incidents occur amidst already strained relations, exacerbated by recent statements from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warning that Japan reserves the right to respond to any Chinese military action against Taiwan that threatens Japanese security. Japan hosts a significant U.S.military presence,including forces stationed on Okinawa,the Japanese islands closest to Taiwan,which China views as a renegade province.
In response to the escalating tensions,Beijing has advised its citizens against travel to Japan and suspended the resumption of Japanese seafood imports,previously halted following the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
