Beijing [China], December 7 (ANI): China on Sunday sharply rebutted Japan’s protest over what it described as a “regular carrier-based fighter jet flight training” east of the Miyako Strait, saying Japanese Self-Defense Force aircraft had “seriously interfered” with Beijing’s “normal training activities” and “posed a severe threat to flight safety.”
Japan’s Defence Ministry said Chinese fighter aircraft locked fire-control radar on Japanese military jets twice on Saturday over international waters, according to Japanese state media. The incidents occurred over waters southeast of Okinawa’s main island.
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi called the incidents “dangerous,” saying Japan lodged a strong protest and urged China to prevent a repeat.
Chinese state media Global Times cited a PLA Navy spokesperson, Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng, saying the flight training had been publicly announced in advance and accusing Japanese Self-Defense Force aircraft of interfering with Chinese operations. “Japan’s relevant hype is completely inconsistent with the facts,” the PLA Navy spokesperson said, demanding that Japan “immediately cease its slander and smearing” and restrain frontline operations. He warned the PLA Navy would take necessary measures under law to protect its security and rights.
NHK reported Koizumi said at least one Chinese J-15 fighter took off from the carrier Liaoning and intermittently locked its radar onto ASDF F-15 fighters scrambled in response to a possible airspace intrusion. A similar incident was reported between 18:37 and 19:08 when another F-15 was targeted. No damage to Japanese aircraft or injuries were reported.
Koizumi described the Chinese military’s actions as exceeding what was necessary for safe flight. Japan has lodged a strong protest and called for steps to prevent recurrence.
The episode comes amid worsening ties after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November Tokyo could respond to Chinese military action against Taiwan if such moves threatened Japan’s security, according to Al Jazeera. (ANI)
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