Japan to install missiles near Taiwan: Are China tensions set to spike?

On December 7, 2025, Japan accused China of targeting its fighter jets with military radar near Okinawa. Japan's defense minister condemned the action as dangerous and lodged a protest with China. China disputed Japan's account, stating its navy was conducting routine training exercises in the area and that Japan's claims were false. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions between the two countries over Japan's support for Taiwan, with China increasing patrols near disputed territories. Japan reported two separate incidents on Saturday where Chinese F-15 jets directed radar at Japanese F-15 aircraft flying over international waters near islands claimed by both nations. China has demanded that Japan cease its "slander" and restrain its actions.

Tensions between Japan and China have escalated after Japan accused Chinese military aircraft of locking radar onto Japanese fighter jets near the Okinawa islands on Saturday. Japan's Prime Minister vowed a resolute response, summoning China's ambassador and increasing surveillance. China denies the accusations, claiming its actions were part of "far-sea training" and accusing Japan of harassment. Japan's defense ministry reported approximately 100 fighter jet take-offs from China's Liaoning aircraft carrier, with fire-control radar directed at Japanese F-15s on two occasions. China claims Japan intruded into pre-announced exercise zones, demanding Japan cease actions.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi accused Chinese fighter jets of directing fire-control radar at Japanese aircraft in two incidents over international waters near Okinawa on December 7, 2025. Japan lodged a strong protest with Beijing, demanding preventative measures, calling the radar illumination a dangerous act. A fire-control radar lock signals a potential attack, escalating tensions between the two militaries. The incidents occurred near disputed territory claimed by both countries amid strained relations following Japan's stance on potential Chinese military action against Taiwan. The United States, which maintains a significant military presence in Japan, has not yet commented on the accusations.

Tensions between China and Japan have escalated following a reported radar incident on December 6th near Okinawa, where Japan claims Chinese fighter jets aimed fire-control radar at Japanese F-15s. Japan condemned the action as dangerous, while China accused Japan of military threats and interference regarding Taiwan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's stance on Taiwan, citing Japan's colonial history and urging caution as a defeated nation in WWII. Japan denies obstructing Chinese operations and maintains its jets kept a safe distance. The incident follows Takaichi's earlier remarks about a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan triggering a Japanese military response, further straining relations.