Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Tensions in East Asia have risen sharply again after the United States (US) for the first time condemned China’s actions which it said targeted radar at Japanese military aircraft in an exercise last week. This open criticism from Washington adds to a long series of friction between the two neighboring countries which have been facing each other since last month on the issue of defense and Taiwan.
The incident occurred near the Okinawa Islands, a sensitive area because it lies between Japan’s strategic air and sea lanes and is close to Taiwan, a democratic island that Beijing claims as part of its territory.
The situation has heated up since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last month told parliament how Tokyo could react if China carried out a hypothetical attack on Taiwan.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the US State Department said that China’s actions did not help maintain regional calm.
“China’s actions are not conducive to regional peace and stability,” he said, referring to the radar incident ReutersWednesday (10/12/2025).
“The US-Japan alliance is stronger and more united than ever. Our commitment to our ally, Japan, is unwavering, and we continue to stay in close contact on this and other issues,” he added.
This statement was immediately welcomed by Tokyo. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the US comments “show the strong alliance between the US and Japan”.
In a press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun did not directly respond to Washington’s criticism. He reiterated that all Chinese military exercises and activities were carried out “in accordance with international law” and “in a safe and controlled manner”.
“We hope the international community can distinguish right from wrong and not be deceived by the Japanese side. Japan’s allies, in particular, must increase their vigilance and not be manipulated by Japan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Russia “followed” China in joint patrols between the two countries around Japan.
Japan’s Defense Ministry said that two Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, flew from the Sea of Japan to the East China Sea to rendezvous with two Chinese H-6 bombers. After meeting, the four planes made a “joint long-range flight” in the Pacific region.
In this operation, four Chinese J-16 fighter jets also accompanied, carrying out round-trip flights between Japan’s Okinawa and Miyako Islands. The ministry emphasized that the Miyako Strait between the two islands is international waters.
(luc/luc)
[Gambas:Video CNBC]