The Ministry of National Defense on Monday said a report by Japan's Kyodo News about Chinese warships targeting Japanese vessels using fire-control radar are groundless.

The ministry reiterated China's stance saying the facts are clear and Japanese allegations had no grounds.

Kyodo News, a news agency, published an article on Sunday which said Chinese officials admitted to locking radar on Japanese ships.

The accusations have tarnished the image of China's military and misled international public opinion due to Japan's ulterior motives, according to the ministry.

Japanese warships and airplanes have for a long time closely followed, monitored and disturbed Chinese naval ships and airplanes. This practice harms the security of Chinese ships and airplanes and is the root of the current Sino-Japanese marine security problems, according to the ministry.

Japan should maintain Sino-Japan ties with practical actions and deeply reflect on the practice instead of making irresponsible comments, the ministry said. Endi