Japan has protested after Chinese fighter jets locked radars on Japanese aircraft as tensions between the two nations worsened.
Locking radar onto an aircraft is considered a threat because it can signal a potential attack. Japan reported two such incidents Saturday off its southern Okinawa islands.
In response, Japan scrambled fighter jets while Beijing accused Tokyo of 'harassing' its forces during a training exercise. No injuries or damage were reported.
Diplomatic ties between Japan and China have spiraled since last month, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Tokyo could take military action if Beijing attacked Taiwan.
Beijing views self-governed Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force. Both sides have engaged in increasingly hostile rhetoric, affecting daily life for citizens in both countries.
A Japanese defense ministry official remarked that the intention of the Chinese J-15 jets was 'unclear' and noted that locking onto Japanese planes was unnecessary if their goal was merely to locate other aircraft.
Japan’s defense minister expressed strong regret and protested to China, requesting measures to prevent future occurrences, while the Chinese navy countered that Japan's claims were inconsistent with facts and labeled them as slander.
Heightened tensions have led to noticeable repercussions, including China's request for citizens to avoid travel to Japan and bans on Japanese seafood imports and popular films.
