Washington/Tokyo, December 12 — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi held a roughly 40-minute phone call to address growing regional tensions after a recent radar incident between Chinese and Japanese fighter jets and a long-range joint patrol by Chinese and Russian bombers, according to US and Japanese statements.
The ministers reviewed Japan’s plans to increase defense spending and strengthen capabilities, China’s recent military activity, and the need for realistic training and exercises across Japan, including the Southwest Islands. They reaffirmed the strength of the US–Japan alliance, stressed their commitment to deterring aggression in the Asia-Pacific, and agreed to maintain close communication to help calm the situation.
Japan reported that on December 6 a Chinese fighter intermittently targeted the radar of Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft over international waters off Okinawa Prefecture. Koizumi told reporters after the call that a Chinese J-15 locked its radar onto a Japanese F-15 for about 30 minutes on one occasion, describing that as the most serious aspect of the incident. He said Japan will continue nationwide patrols and surveillance and will respond calmly and resolutely to any contingencies.
Hegseth and Koizumi also discussed a recent long-range patrol by two Chinese and two Russian bombers over the East China Sea and the Pacific near Shikoku Island. Both leaders agreed such actions risk further raising regional tensions and emphasized close US–Japan coordination in responding to them. Koizumi said Japan will persist in calm yet resolute responses while maintaining steady surveillance of surrounding seas and airspace.
The rise in military frictions follows comments last month by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in parliament that Japan could take military action if Taiwan were attacked. Those remarks prompted strong protests from Beijing and led to economic and diplomatic countermeasures, with China reiterating that it considers Taiwan part of its territory. (ANI)
This report is based on syndicated material and is published as received.
