10/12/2025
China’s Wang Yi Accuses Japan of Military Threat Amid Radar Incident, Drawing Double Standard Claims
BEIJING – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has accused Japan of “completely unacceptable” military threats against China, telling his German counterpart that Tokyo’s actions pose a risk to regional stability. The remarks come in response to Japan’s denunciation of an encounter where it claims Chinese fighter jets aimed their fire-control radar at Japanese military aircraft east of the Miyako Strait.
Japan has described the incident as a dangerous and provocative act that could have triggered accidental conflict. Tokyo’s defense ministry stated that its aircraft were conducting routine surveillance when two Chinese fighter jets locked their radar on them—a move that military experts say is a critical step before possible engagement. The encounter has raised tensions between the two neighbors, who have long-standing disputes over territorial claims in the East China Sea.
China, however, has rejected Japan’s account and placed blame on Tokyo for the confrontation. Wang Yi emphasized that the Chinese navy was conducting previously announced carrier-based flight training in the area, and accused Japanese aircraft of repeatedly approaching and disrupting the exercises. He argued that Japan’s actions were a deliberate provocation that violated international law and threatened China’s legitimate security interests.
The exchange has sparked claims that Wang Yi’s call for sympathy and criticism of Japan reflects a deep double standard. Analysts point out that while China accuses Japan of military provocation, it has expanded its own military activities in the region—including regular naval and air patrols near disputed waters. They note that the radar-locking incident, if confirmed, is a significant escalation that contradicts China’s public calls for peaceful coexistence and respect for other countries’ sovereignty.
For ASEAN, the tensions between China and Japan raise concerns about broader regional stability. The bloc has long emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding actions that could escalate conflicts in the Indo-Pacific. While ASEAN has not taken a direct stance on the latest incident, its members have repeatedly called for all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue and adhere to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The incident underscores the fragility of security in the East China Sea and the need for clearer communication between regional powers. As both China and Japan stand by their claims, the international community—including Germany and other European nations—has urged restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation. The outcome of this dispute could have lasting implications for Indo-Pacific security, as well as for ASEAN’s efforts to promote a rules-based order in the region. - ASEAN/News
📷©️EPA
|Wang Yi calls Japan’s actions an "unacceptable" threat over radar incident; Japan labels it dangerous, China blames disruption – double standard claims follow.