Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Japan have escalated due to accusations of military provocations in the region.
• China denies Japan’s claims of radar illumination by its aircraft, asserting that Japan is exaggerating the situation.
• Japan maintains that Chinese military aircraft have engaged in aggressive maneuvers, including radar lock-ons against its jets.
• Both nations are engaged in a war of narratives, with each side accusing the other of provocative actions.
• The situation reflects broader regional security concerns and the influence of U.S. military alliances.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China’s foreign and defense ministries refute Japan’s claims of radar illumination, labeling them as hype.
• China accuses Japan of provocative actions during military training exercises involving the Liaoning aircraft carrier.
• Chinese sources highlight Japan’s militarization efforts in the southwestern islands as a threat to regional stability.
• China emphasizes the need for international order and warns against betrayal of goodwill in diplomatic relations.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan asserts that Chinese military aircraft have locked radar onto its fighter jets, heightening tensions in the region.
• Japanese media report on the aggressive nature of Chinese military maneuvers, framing them as a direct threat.
• Japan’s government expresses concerns over China’s increasing military assertiveness and its implications for national security.
• Japanese sources highlight the need for a collective defense strategy among allies in response to perceived threats from China.

Sources

This summary is based on 20 articles from the following sources:

1. [en-US] China’s foreign, defense ministries rebut Japan’s hype of ‘radar illumination’ by Liaoning carrier-based jets against JSDF aircraft; China lodges counter-protests in Beijing, Tokyo - Global Times (12/7/2025)
2. [en-US] Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks on Japan’s Accusation of Chinese Naval Carrier-Based Aircraft Conducting “Radar Illumination” on Japanese SDF Fighter Jets - Global Times (12/7/2025)
3. [en-US] China slams Japan over its provocative actions on Liaoning aircraft carrier’s training - news.cgtn.com (12/7/2025)
4. [en-US] My Take | Japanese PM Takaichi has learned how to do a Washington over Taiwan - South China Morning Post (12/7/2025)
5. [en-US] Exclusive satellite images show Japan accelerating militarization of its southwestern island - Global Times (12/7/2025)
6. [en-US] China’s goodwill must not be betrayed; International order must not be challenged - news.cgtn.com (12/7/2025)
7. [en-US] Liaoning carrier formation approached, harassed by Japanese SDF aircraft during fighter training near Miyako Strait; Japan’s hypes inconsistent with facts: spokesperson - Global Times (12/7/2025)
8. [en-US] Japan’s war orphans abandoned by government, society and history - news.cgtn.com (12/7/2025)
9. [en-US] Tokyo accuses Chinese fighters of locking on Japanese jets northeast of Taiwan - South China Morning Post (12/7/2025)
10. [en-US] Japan’s accusation of Chinese carrier-based aircraft locking radar onto Japanese warplanes a case of perpetrator blaming victim: expert - Global Times (12/7/2025)
11. [en-US] China’s property crunch throws state-backed developer into turmoil - Nikkei Asia (12/7/2025)
12. [en-US] Beyond ASEAN, Southeast Asia reasserts its Global South identity - Nikkei Asia (12/7/2025)
13. [en-US] Chinese military aircraft lock radar onto Japanese fighter jets - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (12/7/2025)
14. [en-US] Chinese fighters target SDF jets with radar lock-on as tensions surge - The Japan Times (12/7/2025)
15. [en-US] Kazakh plan to revive Ili River route to China lacks one thing: water - Nikkei Asia (12/7/2025)
16. [en-US] ‘Free-riding’ U.S. allies that don’t step up ‘will face consequences,’ Hegseth warns - The Japan Times (12/7/2025)
17. [en-US] In Japan and elsewhere, a ‘generational shift’ is upon us - The Japan Times (12/7/2025)
18. [en-US] Hong Kong election turnout exceeds 2021 low as city mourns fire victims - Nikkei Asia (12/6/2025)
19. [en-US] Allies must aid collective defense or face ‘consequences:’ Pentagon chief - Nikkei Asia (12/6/2025)
20. [en-US] Chinese fighter targets Japan SDF jet with radar, Defense Ministry says - Nikkei Asia (12/6/2025)