Beijing: China yesterday warned Japan against “playing with fire” in the contested waters of the South China Sea, after Tokyo announced it may patrol alongside the US in the region. China also sent fighter planes for the first time over a strait near Japan on Monday as part of a group of more than 40 jets headed to train in the West Pacific.

The move followed remarks by Japanese Defence Minister Tomomi Inada that Tokyo would increase its engagement in the SCS through joint training with the US Navy, exercises with regional navies and capacity-building assistance to coastal nations.