Tokyo: Japan has expressed concern after reporting that a Chinese aircraft carrier group carried out what it called intense air operations near its southern islands over the past several days. The activities took place east of Okinawa and involved frequent takeoffs and landings of fighter jets from the Chinese carrier Liaoning.

According to Japan’s defence ministry, the operations included about 100 aircraft movements in a short period. Japan said its air force had scrambled jets to monitor the situation. Officials also claimed that Chinese fighter jets directed radar signals at Japanese aircraft during the encounter. Japan views radar illumination as a dangerous act because it can signal targeting in a potential attack.

Tokyo summoned China’s ambassador and delivered a formal protest.

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