China’s Ministry of National Defense has defended the actions of its military aircraft during a recent aerial encounter with Japanese fighter jets over the East China Sea, rejecting Tokyo’s complaints that the maneuver was dangerously close.

In a statement carried by China Daily on Sunday, ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin asserted that the Chinese aircraft had acted in a “legitimate, reasonable, and professional” manner during the incident, which reportedly took place earlier this month. Japan had accused Chinese fighter jets of flying “abnormally close” to planes belonging to the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), raising concerns about flight safety and the risk of miscalculation.

Jiang, however, placed the blame on Japan, claiming that Japanese aircraft were carrying out “repeated close-in surveillance” within China’s self-declared air defense identification zone (ADIZ). He argued that such reconnaissance activities by Japan were provocative in nature and posed threats to regional maritime and air security.

“Close-in reconnaissance and harassment by Japanese military vessels and aircraft are the real sources of maritime and air security risks between China and Japan,” Jiang said. He emphasized that Chinese aircraft responded by identifying, tracking, and monitoring the JASDF planes “in accordance with international law and standard procedures.”

The incident adds to the ongoing tensions between the two East Asian powers, who have long been at odds over territorial claims in the East China Sea, particularly around the disputed Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu in China). Military encounters and overlapping air defense zones have become common flashpoints.

While reaffirming its right to safeguard its national airspace, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense also called for dialogue and cooperation with Tokyo to reduce risks and ensure regional stability.

“We urge Japan to stop such provocations and work with China to foster a conducive atmosphere for stable and constructive bilateral relations,” Jiang added.

Japanese defense authorities have not yet responded to the latest statement, though Tokyo has previously expressed alarm at what it sees as growing Chinese assertiveness in the region’s skies and waters. (ILKHA)