New Delhi, Dec. 8 -- Japan said Monday that Chinese military aircraft locked radar on its fighter jets even though there was a safe distance between them, denying Beijing's accusation of interference and renewing its protest over the incident.

"The Self Defense Force (fighter jets) were maintaining safe distance during their mission," Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters. "China's claim that SDF aircraft severely obstructed their safe flight is untrue."

Japan and Australia urged calm on Sunday after Chinese military aircraft locked radar on the Japanese fighter jets. The incident occurred a month after the Japanese leader's remarks on Taiwan stirred tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi s...