Japan Vows to Defend Territorial Land, Waters and Airspace

Japan will continue to focus on monitoring China's military activities to defend its territorial land, waters and air space, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said in remarks on Monday in response to flights by Chinese military aircraft near Japanese territory.

Eight Chinese military planes crossed back and forth over waters between Okinawa's main island and Miyako Island on Sunday, Japan's broadcaster (NHK World) reported.

Japan scrambled Self-Defense Forces jets, but the Chinese aircraft did not violate Japan's airspace. Suga said two of the planes are believed to have been fighters. He said this is the first time Japan has seen Chinese fighter planes in that airspace. 

He declined to comment on the purpose of the flights, though he said the Chinese planes may have been engaged in training. He said the Japanese government will take stern measures to stop any territorial violations based on international law and Self-Defense Forces law. 

Source : XINHUA