December 10, 2025 | 09:34 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For the first time, the United States has condemned China for directing radar at a Japanese military aircraft during a training near the Okinawa Islands last Saturday. This incident occurred as the relationship between Japan and China soured following statements made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Tokyo's possible response to a Chinese attack on Taiwan.
Quoted from CNA, a spokesperson for the US Department of State stated on Tuesday, December 9, "China’s actions are not conducive to regional peace and stability," adding that the US-Japan alliance is stronger and more united than ever before.
"Our commitment to our ally Japan is unwavering, and we are in close contact on this and other issues," the spokesperson said.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara also welcomed the statement and said that the comment demonstrates the strength of the US-Japan alliance.
China's Rebuttal
According to a report from The Japan Times, the radar incident, in which Chinese fighter jets locked in twice on Japanese Air Self-Defense Force plane, is the most serious one in recent years. Tokyo views the maneuver as dangerous because radar locking indicates a potential attack and can force the targeted aircraft to maneuver to avoid it.
China has denied the accusations, asserting that the Japanese aircraft repeatedly approached and disturbed their announced carrier-based flight training in the east of the Miyako Strait. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not provided an additional response so far.
Tension Following Takaichi's Statements
The relationship between the two countries has deteriorated since Takaichi stated in a parliament address on November 7 that China's blockade of Taiwan could become a situation that threatens Japan's survival and has the potential to trigger the deployment of military forces. Beijing demanded that she retract her statement, accused Tokyo of military threats, and urged Chinese citizens not to travel to Japan.
On Tuesday night, Japan was also reported to have deployed fighter jets to monitor joint Russia-China air patrols around its vicinity. However, President Donald Trump has not yet spoken about the radar incident or Takaichi's comments.
Read: Japan Accuses China of Attempting to Shoot Down Aircraft Near Okinawa
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