Liberation Army Daily quotes an "authoritative naval department" as saying that the media reports on radar-locking are a "deliberate fabrication" and "malicious speculation" to tarnish the Chinese military's image.

BBC: China media: Japan radar lock

The State Oceanic Administration accuses Japan's Weekly Post of "sheer nonsense and malicious speculation" following its expose on a Chinese government ship allegedly aiming a machine gun at a Japanese fishing boat near disputed East China Sea islands on 18 February, People's Daily reports.

BBC: China media: Opinions divided on Congress