Japan protests after Chinese jets lock radar on its aircraft
Japan lodged a strong protest on Sunday after two Chinese J‑15 fighter jets locked their radars on Japanese aircraft off Okinawa’s southern islands on Saturday, raising the risk of a direct clash.
The radar lock, widely regarded as an intimidation tactic, occurred at 16:32 GMT and again at about 18:37 GMT. In response, the Japanese air force scrambled additional fighters, while Beijing accused Tokyo of harassing its forces during a scheduled training exercise.
“It is extremely regrettable. Japan has strongly protested to the Chinese side, and we firmly requested measures to prevent recurrence,” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture. She added, “We will respond calmly and resolutely.”
A senior defence ministry official said the intent behind the Chinese jets was “unclear” but noted there was “no need” to lock onto Japanese planes if the aim was merely to locate other aircraft. He also affirmed that the Japanese aircraft “did not do anything that could be considered a provocation”.
The Chinese navy rebutted Japan’s claim, describing it as “completely inconsistent with the facts” and urging Tokyo to “immediately stop slandering and smearing”. It maintained that the training exercise had been announced in advance.
Diplomatic ties have deteriorated since last month when Prime Minister Takaichi hinted that Japan could take military action if China attacks Taiwan – a claim Beijing sees as a direct challenge to its sovereignty over the island.
Earlier incidents include a suspected Chinese drone near Yonaguni Island and Japan’s plan to station missiles on the same island, moves that have further angered Beijing. China has also advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan, banned Japanese seafood imports and halted the screening of popular Japanese films.
For Ghana, the escalating standoff matters because the Asia‑Pacific region underpins much of the global shipping network that carries Ghanaian cocoa, gold and timber to Asian markets. Ghana’s Ministry of Trade warned that disruptions or broader sanctions could ripple through Ghana’s export supply chains, while the Foreign Ministry called for a peaceful resolution to safeguard international trade routes.
Both governments have signalled a willingness to de‑escalate, but no concrete confidence‑building measures have yet been announced. Observers expect further diplomatic exchanges in the coming days as each side seeks to avoid a miscalculation that could spiral into open conflict.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
