Chinese jets directed fire-control radar at Japanese military planes, says Tokyo

China accuses Japanese aircraft of repeatedly approaching and disrupting its naval training

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Japan said on Dec 7 that Chinese fighter jets directed fire-control radar at Japanese military aircraft in two “dangerous” incidents near Japan’s Okinawa islands, an account Beijing denied.

"These radar illuminations are a dangerous act that went beyond what is necessary for the safe flight of aircraft," Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters, adding that Japan had lodged a protest with China over the "extremely regrettable" incident on Dec 6.

Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, meeting with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Tokyo, said Japan would respond "resolutely and calmly" to China's conduct in order to maintain regional peace and stability.

A Chinese navy spokesman, Colonel Wang Xuemeng, said Japanese aircraft repeatedly approached and disrupted the Chinese navy as it was conducting previously announced carrier-based flight training east of the Miyako Strait.

The encounters near islands close to territory claimed by Japan and China are the most serious run-ins between the two militaries in years. They are likely to further escalate tension between the neighbours.

Relations have soured after Ms Takaichi warned that Japan could respond to any Chinese military action against Taiwan if it also threatened Japan's security.

Directing fire-control radar at another aircraft is a threatening step because it signals a potential attack and may force the targeted plane to take evasive action.