Tensions rise between China and Japan over air force exercises

TOKYO: Tensions between China and Japan have escalated following Chinese air force exercises near Japan’s Okinawa islands.

Reuters reports that Japan claimed Chinese aircraft targeted Japanese fighter jets with radar during two dangerous incidents, a charge that China has denied.

Japanese Prime Minister Sani Takachi described the radar targeting as “a dangerous act that exceeded the necessary limits for safe flight” and confirmed that Japan has formally protested the incidents with China.

China, in turn, warned Japan to cease what it called “defamation and slander,” asserting that Japanese aircraft had interfered with Chinese naval vessels conducting training east of the Miyako Strait. Both sides have issued stern statements, highlighting rising tensions in the region.

Prime Minister Takachi warned that any further violations will come at a “high price,” emphasizing Japan’s commitment to safeguarding its airspace.