Japan’s Defence Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, has denied reports that Japanese fighter jets targeted Chinese aircraft with radar during a close encounter over the weekend. His remarks came on Wednesday following a Chinese media report disputing Japan’s version of the incident.

Tokyo Dismisses Beijing’s Allegations

Koizumi clarified that Japanese aircraft did not lock radar on Chinese jets during the event on Saturday. He stressed that Japan’s actions were standard defensive responses to monitor foreign aircraft approaching its airspace. The minister emphasised that the situation was handled in accordance with international norms and Japan’s defence protocols.

Prior Notification from Chinese Navy

Before the incident, a Chinese navy vessel had informed Japanese authorities about planned ai

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