Chinese fighter jets have directed their fire-control radar at Japanese aircraft over international waters close to Japan's Okinawan islands, with Japan labelling the incidents as "dangerous acts".
The Chinese J-15 fighter jets directed their radar at Japanese F-15 aircraft in two separate incidents on Saturday.
"These radar illumination went beyond what is necessary for the safe flight of aircraft and is a dangerous act," Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said in a post on X on Sunday.
Japan has lodged a protest with China over the "regrettable" incident, he said.
The encounters over the islands, which are close to disputed territory claimed by both Japan and China will likely ratchet up tension between the neighbours.
Relations have already soured after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned that Japan could respond to any Chinese military action against Taiwan if it also threatened Japan's security.
The Chinese J-15 jets were launched from China's Liaoning aircraft carrier, which was manoeuvring south of the Okinawan islands along with three missile destroyers, Japan said.
