People’s Liberation Army (PLA) – including PLA Navy and Naval Aviation

Stories

Bombers over the Sea of Japan: US–Japan answer China–Russia’s show of force

As of May 2026: Concluded Liaoning patrol after radar incident; expanding long-term carrier and bomber capabilities

What began with Chinese carrier fighters lighting up Japanese jets with radar near Okinawa has mushroomed into a full-spectrum crisis. After China and Russia sent bombers circling Japan, the US flew B-52s with Japanese fighters over the Sea of Japan.

Updated May 11

Chinese carrier jets lock fire-control radar on Japanese fighters near Okinawa

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Conducting carrier and air operations near Okinawa and Taiwan, accused of unsafe radar behavior

On December 6, 2025, two Chinese J-15 carrier fighters from the Liaoning locked fire-control radar on Japanese F-15s over international waters southeast of Okinawa. Japan's defense minister Shinjiro Koizumi called the lock-ons "dangerous" and "extremely regrettable," and Tokyo lodged a formal protest.

Updated May 10