Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Photo: Guardian

A Chinese navy vessel aimed a type of radar normally used to aim weapons at a Japanese navy ship belonging to Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (MFDS) in the East China Sea. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday described the incident as "dangerous" and "regrettable”, saying that “This is a dangerous action that could have brought about an unexpected situation." Abe urged Beijing to show restraint "so that the situation doesn't escalate” and said the two countries should follow a strategy of mutual benefit.  The statement was issued after Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said on Tuesday that Tokyo suspects China of putting a radar-lock on a Japanese navy helicopter on January 19. The same day, the US expressed its concerns, saying that such an action could harm regional peace, stability, and economic development.