Japan Condemns Chinese Radar Locks on F-15 Jets

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi condemned two incidents on Saturday in which Chinese J-15 fighter jets locked their fire-control radar on Japanese F-15 aircraft over international waters southeast of Okinawa Prefecture, marking the first such encounter between the two nations' military planes.

The events unfolded as Japanese forces monitored a Chinese aircraft carrier group to ensure no violation of Japanese airspace. According to the Defense Ministry, the first radar lock lasted about three minutes shortly after 4:30 p.m., targeting one F-15. A second incident, involving a different Japanese jet, extended for approximately 30 minutes around 6:30 p.m. The Chinese jets had launched from the Liaoning carrier, which was operating south of the Okinawan islands alongside three missile destroyers. No injuries or damage occurred, and the Japanese aircraft maintained a safe distance without provocative actions.

In a news conference early Sunday, Koizumi described the radar illuminations as dangerous acts that exceeded what is necessary for safe flight operations. "The occurrence of such an incident is extremely regrettable," he said. "We have lodged a strong protest with the...