Japan’s Self-Defence Forces reported on Monday that a Chinese carrier strike group sailing near Japan continued heavy air operations on Sunday (Dec 7) as it moved into the Pacific east of the Okinawa Islands. The drills took place amid rising friction between the two countries and sparked several diplomatic protests. Tokyo accused Beijing of dangerous conduct, saying jets from China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier aimed radar at Japanese fighters that were tracking the group. Such radar targeting can signal a possible attack and force aircraft to take defensive action.

According to Japan’s SDF, the carrier’s aircraft carried out about 100 takeoffs and landings over the weekend. Tokyo also summoned China’s ambassador, Wu Jianghao, to protest what it called unsafe and regrettable actions by the carrier’s pilots. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan would respond “calmly but firmly” and continue to closely watch Chinese military activity around its territory.

China rejected the accusations, saying Japanese jets had endangered safety by approaching the carrier during its training with three destroyer escorts. The Chinese embassy demanded that Japan stop “smearing” China and avoid actions that could cause similar incidents. Kihara dismissed Beijing’s claims, asserting that Japanese aircraft did not threaten the carrier. These encounters were among the most serious between the two militaries in years and could further strain ties, already tense after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned that Japan could act if any Chinese move against Taiwan jeopardised Japan’s security.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.