China has defended the actions of its military aircraft after Japan lodged a complaint alleging that Chinese planes flew “abnormally close” to Japanese aircraft in the East China Sea. On Sunday, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin dismissed Tokyo’s claims, calling China’s maneuvers “legitimate, reasonable, and professional.”
According to Jiang, Japanese Air Self-Defense Force intelligence-gathering aircraft had repeatedly conducted close-range surveillance operations in China’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), an area that has long been a point of contention between the two East Asian powers. The incident reportedly took place over the East China Sea, a region marked by overlapping territorial claims and increased military activity.
Jiang stated that the Chinese military responded by identifying, tracking, and monitoring the Japanese planes “in accordance with the law.” He emphasized that the actions were executed professionally and in line with international norms governing airspace security.
“Close-in reconnaissance and harassment by Japanese military vessels and aircraft are sources of maritime and air security risks between China and Japan,” Jiang warned. He further called on Japan to reconsider its surveillance practices, which Beijing views as provocative.
The Chinese spokesperson urged Tokyo to engage constructively with Beijing to reduce tensions and avoid misunderstandings. “We urge the Japanese side to work with China to foster an atmosphere conducive to the stable development of bilateral ties,” Jiang said.
The latest exchange underscores ongoing friction in the East China Sea, where both nations contest sovereignty over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. While Japan controls the islands, China continues to assert its claim, leading to frequent military encounters and diplomatic protests.
Japan has not publicly detailed the specific location or nature of the incident but maintains that its operations are lawful and conducted in international airspace.
As both countries ramp up defense spending and surveillance efforts in the region, incidents like these highlight the fragile balance in Northeast Asia. Analysts warn that without clearer communication channels and mutual trust-building measures, such aerial encounters could escalate, risking regional stability.
