Beijing says Japan at fault for warplane nearing Japanese aircraft
The spokesperson on Sunday commented on Japan's announcement that a Chinese fighter bomber flew unusually close to an Air Self-Defense Force intelligence-gathering aircraft. Japan says the incidents took place over the high seas in the East China Sea on Wednesday and Thursday.
The spokesperson said the Japanese aircraft had engaged in repeated close-in surveillance efforts in China's air defense identification zone.
The spokesperson argued that the Chinese aircraft took measures to track and monitor the Japanese aircraft in accordance with the law. He explained that the Chinese response was entirely legitimate and reasonable.
He added that close-in reconnaissance and harassment by Japanese vessels and aircraft are sources of maritime and air security risks between the two countries.
Last month, Japan announced that a Chinese fighter jet flew abnormally close to a Maritime Self-Defense Force patrol aircraft over the Pacific Ocean on June 7 and 8.
Japan expressed serious concerns to China over the June and July incidents and strongly urged it to ensure such actions do not recur.
Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Malaysia on Thursday.
Iwaya expressed concern over what Japan called the deteriorating situation in the seas and airspace around the country.
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