Japan on Monday accused Chinese military aircraft of locking radar onto its fighter jets near Okinawa, while denying Beijing’s claims of Japanese interference.

Japanese officials said the F-15 jets maintained a safe distance during the incidents, which lasted a few minutes in the afternoon and about 30 minutes in the evening, and no Japanese airspace was violated.

China defended its actions, calling the exercises pre-announced and accusing Japan of harassment, while Japan lodged a formal protest and demanded preventive measures.

The incident has heightened security concerns amid worsening Japan-China relations following comments by Japan’s prime minister on Taiwan, prompting Japan and Australia to strengthen military coordination, the AP has reported.

Separately, China reportedly fired flares at a Philippine fisheries plane in the South China Sea, reflecting broader regional tensions.