On December 18, 2025, the Foreign Ministry of the Chinese mainland issued a warning to Japan over a reported land lease deal signed by Japan's Defense Ministry. The agreement would station a mobile surveillance radar unit on the easternmost island of Okinawa to monitor activities of Chinese aircraft carriers and airplanes.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun cautioned that such measures risk stirring up trouble and could serve as a pretext for Tokyo to justify its own military buildup. The remarks came after officials were asked about the strategic intentions behind the radar deployment.
Analysts say this development reflects Tokyo's broader efforts to enhance its Self-Defense Forces in response to evolving regional security challenges. However, Beijing views the move as a provocative step that may escalate tensions in the East China Sea.
As both sides navigate a complex security environment, experts emphasize the need for dialogue and transparency to prevent miscalculations. The international community will be watching closely as this dispute unfolds in the coming weeks.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
