A spokesman for China’s defense on Sunday dismissed Japan’s claim that Chinese military planes flew “unusually close to” to the plane, and China’s response was legal and professional, China’s Daily reported.
In response to questions from the media, Jiang Bin, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, said that Japan’s Self-Defense Forces Intelligence Report Collective Aircraft are repeatedly engaged in close surveillance efforts in China’s air defense identification zone.
Chinese aircraft have taken steps to identify, track and monitor Japanese planes in accordance with the law, Jiang said. “Our response was completely legal, reasonable, professional and standard.”
Reconnaissance and harassment by Japanese military ships and aircraft is a source of maritime and aviation safety risks between China and Japan, the spokesman said.
“We urge Japan’s side to work with China to promote an atmosphere that encourages stable development of bilateral ties,” Jiang added.
MNA/