(Press release)
December 10, 2025
The Ministry of Defense
<Refutation Regarding China’s Baseless Claim of “Interference” by JASDF Aircraft>
When receiving the radar beam from Chinese military aircraft, JASDF fighters maintained a safe (beyond-visual-range) distance from both the Chinese fighters and the aircraft carrier, consistently conducting airspace intrusion countermeasures in a thoroughly professional manner. Therefore, China’s claim that there was interference by the JASDF aircraft is unfounded.
<Refutation Regarding China’s Claim that Activating Search Radars is Normal Procedure for Ensuring Flight Safety>
Unlike shipborne radar, fighter aircraft radars serve the purpose not only for searching but also for fire-control. The fighter pilot detecting the radar beam cannot clearly discern its intended purpose. For this reason, even in case of an airborne radar being used for surrounding observations from a safety perspective, such as during poor visibility, it would not be employed in the manner seen in this incident, with intermittent illumination. Given that fighter aircraft radars are not employed indiscriminately, we determine that performing such intermittent illumination against JASDF fighter aircraft, particularly those conducting airspace intrusion countermeasures, constitutes a dangerous act.
<Refutation Regarding China’s Claim of Prior Notification for Military Training Area>
While China claims that prior public notification was made, we are not aware of any NOTAMs or navigation warnings issued beforehand regarding training sea or airspace associated with Liaoning's carrier-based aircraft.
<Regarding the Necessity of Continued Communication Between Japan and China>
As I, Minister Koizumi, conveyed to Minister Dong Jun during the recent Japan–China Defense Ministerial Meeting held in Malaysia, Japan believes it is indispensable for both sides to persistently engage in candid dialogue and communication, without avoiding concrete and difficult issues, precisely because such circumstances exist.