China Rejects Japan’s Radar-Lock Accusation, Calls Tokyo the “Real Aggressor,” Experts Say

Dec 8, 2025 at 11:03 AM

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Lanka Leader

Japan has accused Chinese carrier-based aircraft of locking radar onto Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets during what Tokyo described as a response to “airspace violations.” However, Japanese officials acknowledged that no Chinese aircraft entered Japanese airspace during the incident.

Chinese military experts argue that the encounter was triggered by Japanese fighter jets first approaching the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning in international waters, prompting the carrier group to take what they describe as legitimate and professional countermeasures. They characterize Japan’s accusation as an attempt to shift blame, calling it “a perpetrator blaming the victim.”

Tokyo labeled the incident “regrettable” and issued a formal protest, but Chinese analysts say Japan is exaggerating the situation to support its narrative of a “China threat.”

Japanese media reported that the Liaoning and accompanying vessels were operating lawfully in the Pacific Ocean near Okinawa as part of routine training. Chinese officials reiterated that all Chinese naval and air activities comply with domestic and international law, urging Japan not to overreact or misinterpret normal operations.

Experts in China claim Japan has increasingly hyped standard PLA movements, linking this trend to rising right-wing political pressure and Tokyo’s continued efforts to expand its military capabilities beyond the constraints of its pacifist constitution.

China maintains that its military posture is defensive in nature and calls on Japan to view PLA activities objectively and responsibly.