Chinese military fighter jets twice locked their radar on Air Self-Defense Force aircraft over international waters southeast of Okinawa Prefecture over the weekend, the Defense Ministry in Tokyo said Sunday, an account Beijing disputed as ties between the neighbors continue to fray.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters Sunday that the “dangerous acts” were “extremely regrettable,” adding that Japan had “lodged a strong protest” with the Chinese side and demanded strict measures to prevent a recurrence.
"We will continue to closely monitor the activities of the Chinese military in the waters and airspace surrounding Japan," she said during a visit to the earthquake-hit Noto area of Ishikawa Prefecture.