Overview
- Philippine authorities said Chinese coast guard ships used water cannon on Dec. 12 near Sabina (Scarborough) Reef, damaging two fishing boats.
- Japan publicly disclosed that a Chinese military aircraft illuminated a Self-Defense Force plane with radar, drawing condemnation from Tokyo and criticism from the U.S. government.
- Chinese and Russian bombers flew near Japan on Dec. 9 along routes described by Hong Kong’s Phoenix Television as encircling the Ryukyu Islands in a warning to Japan.
- National Security Secretariat chief Keiichi Ichikawa held phone talks with senior officials from the UK, France and Germany as part of Tokyo’s outreach after Chinese criticism tied to Japan’s Taiwan-related statements.
- Reporting and analysis describe China as probing U.S. red lines and note that President Trump is keeping some distance, which has Japan seeking coordination with like‑minded countries beyond the United States.