Radar Rivals: Sino-Japanese Aerial Tensions Explained

Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi denied claims that Japanese fighter jets aimed radar at Chinese jets during recent tensions. Despite prior notifications from a Chinese naval vessel about air drills, Japan defended its actions as standard procedure. The incidents occurred near Japan's Okinawa islands.

In the latest development in Sino-Japanese relations, Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has addressed allegations asserting that Japanese fighters targeted Chinese jets with radar. The claims, originating from Chinese media, have been firmly negated by Koizumi during a public briefing.

Koizumi further emphasized that despite a prior alert from a Chinese navy vessel about upcoming air drills, Japan's decision to scramble jets was routine and justifiable, given the proximity of the drills to its airspace.

The incidents in question transpired near Japan's Okinawa islands, where Chinese fighter jets from the aircraft carrier Liaoning allegedly pointed radar at Japanese planes on Saturday. This has added to existing tensions between the neighboring countries.