Washington/Tokyo, December 12 (ANI): US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi spoke by telephone about “serious concerns” arising from heightened regional tensions after a recent radar lock-on between Chinese and Japanese fighter jets and a long-range joint patrol by Chinese and Russian bombers, according to US and Japanese readouts.
The roughly 40-minute call covered Japan’s efforts to boost defence spending and strengthen capabilities, China’s military activities, and the need for realistic training and exercises across Japan, including the Southwest Islands, a Pentagon statement said. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the US–Japan alliance and their commitment to deterring aggression in the Asia‑Pacific while maintaining close communication to calm the situation.
Japan says that on December 6 a Chinese fighter intermittently aimed its radar at Japanese Air Self-Defense Force aircraft over international waters off Okinawa Prefecture. Koizumi told reporters after the call that a Chinese J-15 had locked its radar on a Japanese F-15 for about 30 minutes on one occasion, calling that the major problem in the incident. He said Japan will continue nationwide patrols and surveillance and will respond calmly and resolutely to contingencies.
Hegseth and Koizumi also discussed a recent long-range joint patrol by two Chinese and two Russian bombers over the East China Sea and Pacific near Shikoku Island. Both agreed those actions risk intensifying regional tensions and stressed close US–Japan coordination in response. Koizumi said Japan will persist in calm yet resolute responses while steadily carrying out surveillance of surrounding seas and airspace.
Rising military tensions follow remarks last month by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in parliament that Japan could take military action if Taiwan were attacked—comments that drew strong protests and economic and diplomatic measures from Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of China. (ANI)
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