Tensions between Japan and China escalated sharply over the weekend after Chinese fighter jets twice locked their targeting radar on Japan's Air Self-Defense Force aircraft southeast of Okinawa. The incidents unfolded as China conducted expansive carrier exercises in the Pacific, marking one of the most confrontational episodes between the neighbours this year.
According to Japan Today's report on the carrier drills, China's aircraft carrier Liaoning sailed through waters off Okinawa before launching a series of fighter and helicopter training flights. Japan's Defence Ministry responded by scrambling SDF jets after detecting the carrier group near contested areas.
