Japan criticized the provocation as a more serious violation of its own sovereign territory, adding that Beijing has become’more active.’
China said Tuesday it was “verifying” claims by Japan of the first confirmed incursion by a Chinese military aircraft into its airspace.
Japan called the incursion a ‘serious violation’ of its sovereignty and pointed out that Beijing is becoming ‘more active’.
Japan, an American ally, claimed it had intercepted fighter jets after the two-minute intrusion by the Y-9 surveillance aircraft at 11:29 am (0229 GMT) Monday near the Danjo Islands in the East China Sea.
When asked about Tokyo’s claims, the foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, “The relevant Chinese departments are in the process of collecting information and identifying the situation.”
“They have continued to engage through existing operational diplomatic and working-level links as well,” he continued.
“On this note, let me also further state that China does not have its sights set on the territorial airspace of any country,” Lin added.
