As tensions between the two neighboring nations grow more tense, Japan accuses China of hostile radar locks on its jets.

Japanese fighter jets had been scrambled to pursue Chinese jets that were conducting aircraft takeoff and landing exercises in the Pacific.

The military encounter signaled a further deterioration in relations between China and Japan.

Over the weekend, China and Japan came dangerously close to a mid-air military conflict. Japan says Chinese fighter jets from the aircraft carrier Liaoning locked fire-control radar on Japanese warplanes — an aggressive move just one step short of missile launch.

Japan said on Sunday that Chinese fighter jets had directed fire-control radar at Japanese military aircraft in two “dangerous” incidents near Japan’s Okinawa islands, an account Beijing denied.

By Tim Kelly, Kiyoshi Takenaka and David Kirton TOKYO, Dec 7 (Reuters) - Japan said on Sunday that Chinese fighter jets had directed fire-control radar at Japanese military aircraft in two "dangerous" incidents near Japan's Okinawa islands,

Tokyo has vowed a 'calm and resolute' response as tensions with Beijing continue to escalate.