The United States first criticized China for pointing radar at Japanese warplanes during a drill last week after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tokyo could respond to a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan. Last month, US President Donald Trump himself asked Takaichi not to escalate the conflict with Beijing.
It was reported by Reuters.
"China's actions are not conducive to regional peace and stability. The U.S.-Japan Alliance is stronger and more united than ever. Our commitment to our ally Japan is unwavering, and we are in close contact on this and other issues," a US State Department spokesman said Tuesday night, referring to the radar incident.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara welcomed the comments, saying they "demonstrate the strong U.S.-Japan alliance."
At the same time, Reuters sources said that Trump, who plans to visit China next year for trade talks, called Takaichi last month, urging her not to escalate the conflict.
The targeting of Japanese planes by Chinese fighter jets on Saturday was the most serious incident between East Asian militaries in recent years. Such actions are seen as a threatening move, as they signal a potential attack and could force the targeted aircraft to take evasive action. Tokyo has condemned these actions as "dangerous."
Beijing, however, said the Japanese planes repeatedly approached and interfered with the Chinese navy, which was conducting previously announced flight exercises on an aircraft carrier east of the Miyako Strait.
Relations between Asia's two largest economies have deteriorated sharply since Takaichi told parliament last month that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could lead to a "survival-threatening situation" and provoke a potential military response from Tokyo.
Beijing has demanded that she retract her statements, accused Tokyo of making military threats and advised its citizens not to travel to Japan.
US Ambassador to Japan George Glass has publicly expressed support for Japan in several social media posts since the diplomatic conflict began, but President Donald Trump and other senior US officials have remained silent.
On the night of December 10, Japan has scrambled its fighter jets after russian and Chinese warplanes flew together over the Pacific Ocean.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi called such actions by moscow and Beijing a "demonstration of force" that poses a serious threat to the country.
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