The United States has publicly criticised China for the first time following an incident in which a Chinese radar system allegedly locked onto a Japanese military aircraft near Okinawa last week, further escalating tensions between the two Asian neighbours, Reuters reported.
The confrontation occurred as relations between China and Japan were already strained. Last month, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan had triggered fresh diplomatic friction.
China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan lies just 62 miles from Japanese territory, making the issue particularly sensitive for Tokyo.
Referring to the radar incident, a spokesperson for the US State Department said late Tuesday that China’s actions do not contribute to regional peace and stability.
The spokesperson added that the US-Japan alliance remains strong and more unified than ever. “Our commitment to ally Japan is ironclad,” he said, noting that Washington maintains regular communication with Tokyo on this and other issues.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara welcomed the US statement, saying it reflects the strength of the bilateral alliance.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun avoided directly addressing Washington’s criticism, insisting that China’s training and exercises were conducted in accordance with international law.
He expressed hope that the international community would be able to distinguish “right from wrong” and not be influenced by Japan’s statements. He added that Japan’s allies should increase vigilance and avoid being “misled” by Tokyo.
Meanwhile, South Korea has lodged a formal protest with both China and Russia after their military aircraft entered South Korea’s Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ). Seoul responded by scrambling its own fighter jets during the incident.
