WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) – The United States on Tuesday for the first time criticised the actions of Chinese fighter jets that aimed their radars at Japanese military aircraft last week, incidents that Tokyo described as “dangerous”.
The two incidents on Saturday near Japan’s Okinawa islands are the most serious run-ins between the Chinese and Japanese militaries in years and mark the latest escalation in tensions between the two East Asian powers.
“China’s actions are not conducive to regional peace and stability,” a State Department spokesperson said.
“The U.S.-Japan Alliance is stronger and more united than ever. Our commitment to our ally Japan is unwavering, and we are in close contact on this and other issues.”
(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis in Washington; Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Tom Hogue)
