Archive · 8 Dec 2025
China and Japan in Radar Lock Incident
China and Japan had a serious incident where Chinese fighter jets locked their radar on Japanese jets.
This happened near Okinawa, Japan, in international waters.
The Chinese jets did this twice, once for three minutes and then for 30 minutes.
Japan is very upset and has told China to stop doing this.
China says Japan is wrong and that Japanese jets were bothering them.
This is one of the most serious incidents between the two countries in years.
It happened because Japan's prime minister said something about Taiwan that China didn't like.
Taiwan is a place both China and Japan claim, and it's very close to Japan.
There were no injuries or damages in this incident.
Australia is worried and is standing with Japan.
The US hasn't said anything yet.
Chinese J-15 fighter jets locked fire-control radar on Japanese F-15s in two separate incidents near Okinawa.
The radar lock lasted for 3 minutes in the first incident and 30 minutes in the second.
Japan protested the incidents, calling them dangerous and demanding preventive measures.
China disputed Japan's account, stating that Japanese aircraft disrupted Chinese navy operations during carrier-based flight training.
The incidents occurred amid strained ties between China and Japan over recent political remarks, particularly regarding Taiwan.
- Who
- Chinese J-15 fighter jets and Japanese F-15 fighter jets
- What
- Chinese aircraft locked fire-control radar on Japanese aircraft
- When
- Saturday, during two separate incidents
- Where
- International waters near Okinawa, Japan
- Why
- The reason for the radar lock is not explicitly stated, but it is noted that ties between the two nations have soured over recent political remarks
Japan
China
Radar Lock
Japan
Chinese J-15 fighter jets locked fire-control radar on Japanese F-15s in two separate incidents near Okinawa, which Japan considers a dangerous act.
China
China disputes Japan's account, stating that Japanese aircraft repeatedly approached and disrupted Chinese navy operations during carrier-based flight training.
Response
Japan
Japan lodged a strong protest and demanded preventive measures, emphasizing the need to maintain regional peace and stability.
China
China demanded that Japan stop slandering and smearing, and threatened to take necessary measures to safeguard its own security and legitimate rights and interests.
- Incident Date
- Saturday
- Location
- International waters near Okinawa, Japan
- Chinese Aircraft
- J-15
- Japanese Aircraft
- F-15
- Radar Lock Duration
- 3 minutes and 30 minutes in two separate incidents
- Japanese Response
- Lodged a strong protest and demanded preventive measures
- Chinese Response
- Disputed Japan's account and demanded Japan stop slandering and smearing
- US Response
- No immediate comment from the US
Sources
Japan accuses China of directing fire-control radar at its aircraft over international waters
Chinese military aircraft locks radar on Japanese fighter jet, says Japan in protest
Chinese jets direct weapons radar on Japanese aircraft, Japan says
China Jet Locks Radar on Japan Plane as Tensions Simmer
Chinese jets point radar at Japanese aircraft, Japan says
Japan says Chinese jets lock radar on F-15s near Okinawa as defence row intensifies
Chinese carrier conducting intense air operations near Japan, Tokyo says
China locked onto Japanese military fighters. How that could impact rare earths.
Chinese radar locks on Japanese jets
Chinese carrier holds air drills as Tokyo, Beijing trade barbs
Japan accuses Chinese jets of locking radar on its aircraft; diplomatic fallout reignite - What's happening
