Chinese ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said Beijing’s maneuver was legitimate and professional, as Japan Air Self-Defense Force intelligence aircraft conducted repeated surveillance operations near China’s air defense identification zone in the East Sea.

Chinese aircraft took steps to identify, track and monitor Japanese fighters in accordance with the law. Our response was totally legitimate, reasonable and carried out in a professional and standard manner, Jiang said.

The spokesman noted that close reconnaissance and harassment by Japanese military vessels and aircraft are sources of risks to maritime and air security between the two nations.

We urge the Japanese side to work with China to foster an environment conducive to the stable development of bilateral relations, Jiang added.

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