Chinese Fighter Jet Locks Radar on Japanese Military Aircraft, Tokyo Says

A Chinese fighter jet directed its fire-control radar at a Japanese Self-Defense Force aircraft over the East China Sea, Japan's Ministry of Defense announced. This action is seen as a significant escalation, as activating such radar is a step before potentially firing weapons. The incident occurred as the Japanese aircraft was monitoring a Chinese naval fleet. Using fire-control radar, which helps aim weapons, is often interpreted as a direct threat in military encounters. Japan has formally protested the action through diplomatic channels, calling it "dangerous and provocative." The Chinese government has not yet issued a public statement on the specific allegation. The East China Sea is a region of ongoing tension, where both nations have unresolved territorial disputes. Encounters between military forces are frequent, but direct radar locking remains a rare and serious event.