Yahoo! Japan
09:13
Japanese media extensively reported on a significant escalation in relations with China, focusing on Chinese military aircraft locking radar onto Japanese Self-Defense Force jets southeast of Okinawa. Early afternoon reports from NHK, Sankei Shimbun, and other major outlets detailed the radar lock-ons and Japan's strong protest. Throughout the evening and into the early morning, this remained the dominant story, with Defense Minister Koizumi and Prime Minister Takaichi expressing strong condemnation of this "dangerous act." China, in turn, denied the claims and accused Japan of provocation. This event is being compared to the 2012 Senkaku Islands crisis, indicating a notable deterioration in bilateral relations.