AL Jazeera: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Japanese Minister of Defence Shinjiro Koizumi has accused Chinese fighter jets of directing their fire-control radar at Japanese aircraft during two separate incidents over international waters near the island of Okinawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a post on X early on Sunday, Koizumi said that Tokyo has lodged a \u201cstrong protest\u201d about the two incidents and made \u201ca stern demand for measures to prevent recurrence\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe radar illumination\u2026 was a dangerous act that exceeded the range necessary for safe aircraft flight,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A fire-control radar lock is one of the most threatening acts a military aircraft can take, because it signals a potential attack, forcing the targeted aircraft to take evasive action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response later on Sunday, a Chinese navy spokesperson said that a Japanese self-defence force aircraft repeatedly approached and disrupted the Chinese navy as it was training, adding that Japan\u2019s claims were inconsistent with the facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The encounters over the islands, which are close to disputed territory claimed by both Japan and China, are the most serious run-ins between the two militaries in years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They came as relations between the two countries sour over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi<\/a> declaring in November that Tokyo could respond to Chinese military action against Taiwan if the moves also threatened Japan\u2019s security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n