Japan files protest after Chinese radar lock on F-15 jets

Japan has lodged a formal protest with China after two Chinese J-15 fighter jets twice locked their radars onto Japanese F-15s flying over international waters near Okinawa, Kyodo reports.

Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the move constituted a dangerous action. “This was an unsafe act, and I deeply regret it. We have lodged a strong protest with the Chinese side and firmly demanded that such incidents never occur again,” he stated.

According to Japan's Ministry of Defence, tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have been worsening following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments that the Taiwan crisis could pose an “existential threat” to Japan. 

Takaichi also warned that any further escalation in the region might compel Tokyo to exercise its right to self-defence.

The Ministry said this is the first time that a Chinese military aircraft has been spotted directing its light on Japan's Self-Defence Force aircraft.

By Khagan Isayev