Chinese military tells Japan: stop jeopardizing security

Xu Qiliang, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, on Tuesday urged Japan to stop its maritime and air security antics after a close encounter over the East China Sea.

Xu made the remarks as he met with Geoff Brown, visiting Chief of the Australian Air Force, in Beijing.

Briefing Brown on current China-Japan relationship, Xu said Japan's recent charge that Chinese jet fighters drew "unusually close" to its surveillance aircraft over the East China Sea is "irresponsible, deceptive and agitating."

Xu told Brown that two Japanese F-15 aircraft deliberately tailed a Chinese Tu-154 plane a week ago, coming as near as 30 meters as the Chinese aircraft conducted a routine patrol over the East China Sea.

Japans accusation cheats the international community as well as the Japanese people, paves the way for collective self-defense and amending the country's pacifist constitution while justifying Japan's military build-up, said the Chinese military official.

"We urge the Japanese side to immediately stop moves that impair the maritime and air security situation of China and Japan, and take concrete measures to improve the China-Japan relationship," Xu said.

During Tuesday's meeting with Brown, Xu also thanked the Australian side for their efforts to find Flight MH370 as well as their assistance to Chinese personnel who joined the search.

Hailing the good momentum of the strategic partnership between China and Australia, Xu also said the Chinese side stands ready to increase military-to-military exchanges and cooperation with the Australian side to contribute to the overall bilateral relationship.