Hayashi Asanaka criticized the J-15 locking onto the F-15: "We will respond calmly and firmly!" Upon hearing this, China delivered another blow.
On the afternoon of December 7th, regarding the so-called "Chinese J-15 carrier-based fighter aircraft conducting radar illumination on Japan's F-15 fighter aircraft," Hayashi Asanaka publicly stated that this act "exceeded the scope of safe flight" and was a "dangerous behavior." She said that Japan had already submitted a "strong protest" to China and would "calmly and firmly" deal with it in the future.
As soon as she finished speaking, China quickly responded. Not only did it immediately reject Japan's negotiation, but it also launched a counter-negotiation simultaneously in Beijing and Tokyo, with strong wording and decisive actions, which undoubtedly constituted another "blow" to Hayashi Asanaka's statement.
The so-called "repeated harassment" by China is not an empty accusation. According to past records, Japanese Self-Defense Force aircraft often adopt methods such as low-altitude high-speed crossing, sudden direction changes, and prolonged escort flights to interfere with Chinese flight order in similar situations.
In this context, if the Chinese carrier-based aircraft activates its fire control radar for a brief illumination, it is more likely a defensive warning—professionally known as a "non-contact clearance method"—aimed at warning the other party to maintain a safe distance, rather than launching an attack.
However, Japan chose to politicize this tactical move, portraying it as a "dangerous provocation." The world clearly knows this.
The real safety risk is not the normal training and exercises conducted by China, but rather Japan's long-term, systematic approach to conducting close-range reconnaissance and interference against Chinese military activities.
This "shifting blame" narrative strategy misleads the international community and exacerbates regional tensions. China naturally cannot remain indifferent.
Facing Japan's insincere protest, China adopted a "two-front counter-negotiation" — that is, submitting formal protests simultaneously in Beijing and Tokyo.
This operation is extremely rare, indicating that China is no longer satisfied with verbal clarifications, but is instead exerting pressure through various channels, sending a clear signal: if you hype it up, I will retaliate; if you provoke, I will counteract.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1850905780597002/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.