China's navy authorities on Monday refuted foreign media reports saying senior Chinese military officials admitted that a Chinese frigate locked its radar at a Japanese destroyer, calling such reports "maliciously concocted."

According to a statement from authorities with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the Chinese navy's organization and command is uniform and strictly in accordance with regulations.

The statement said the reports were "fabricated out of thin air" and accused them of trying to damage the Chinese army's image, mislead international opinion and win sympathy.

The statement noted that Japan has been following and disturbing Chinese ships and aircraft for a long time, posing severe threats to their safety.

According to the statement, repeated reports on the radar lock issue and irresponsible comments have further revealed the Japanese side's malicious intent to heat up the Diaoyu Islands situation while ignoring overall China-Japan relations.

The statement urged the Japanese side to take real action to stop such fabrications and malicious propaganda if it truly intends to safeguard China-Japan relations.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2013)