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Indo-Pacific

Satellite photos suggest China training to attack Japan's aircraft

Exclusive: SDF's early warning system seen as target in case of Taiwan contingency

The center object in this satellite photo is believed to be a model of an advanced-radar-equipped plane of Japan's Self-Defense Forces. (Photo by 2022Planet Labs PBC)

TOKYO -- China has set up an object that appears to be modeled on an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) plane used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) in a desert area of Xinjiang, Nikkei has learned after analyzing satellite photographs with experts.

The object could be used by the Chinese military as a dummy target for training to attack SDF aircraft with missiles, a former senior SDF official pointed out.

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