BEIJING - Japanese military jets' intrusion into the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone on Saturday was dangerous and provocative, a Chinese general said on Tuesday.

"Japan unilaterally stirred up the military jets' encounter over the East China Sea," Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, said of the jets' subsequent confrontation by Chinese counterparts.

Two Japanese airplanes, OP3C and YS11EB, intruded into the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone on Saturday morning to scout and interfere with China-Russia naval drills, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry.

"Japan's move, like its decision to purchase the Diaoyu Islands in 2012 so as to change the status quo, is very dangerous and provocative," Sun said on the sidelines of an international security seminar.

He urged Japan to stop any interference in China's legitimate military operations so as to avoid misunderstanding, frictions and conflicts.

He said China expects Japan to follow the mainstream of global peace and development, while safeguarding Asian peace and development.

"On issues concerning China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, we don't stir up trouble, nor are we afraid of getting into trouble," Sun said. "We will firmly safeguard our legitimate rights."