Japan on alert as Chinese military fleet flies near islands

A Chinese military fleet flew close to Japan's islands, prompting the latter to scramble for jets. According to Beijing, the activity was part of its efforts to boost long-range combat abilities.

Eight bombers, two intelligence gathering planes and one early-warning aircraft were spotted near Miyako and Okinawa as the Chinese military engaged in a military drill on Friday. The Japanese defence ministry said the fleet did not violate the region's airspace although the activity seems unusual. Some of the planes flew between the islands mentioned while others went near neighbouring islands.

Several types of planes along with H-6K bombers were part of the drill, according to a Chinese airforce spokesman.

The Japanese defence ministry did not comment further on the matter, according to Korea Herald. Nonetheless, the Yomiuri Shimbun paper said that it was unusual for China to send a large military fleet near Japan's airspace. The ministry is still in the process of assessing what the mission is all about. Nonetheless, the drill did prompt Japan to scramble for jets, although this happens several times a year as well. Scrambling for jets is part of the country's efforts to defend its airspace against countries like Russia -- and in recent instances, China.

There has been rising tensions in the Southeast Asia region following Beijing's claims and actions in the South China Sea. Several countries maintain claims over the region against China. The country was also accused of militarising the area which it denied. Japan and the United States agreed to do joint drills near the region as the latter continues to challenge China's claims on the disputed region.

China defended its construction of artificial islands, saying that its purpose was for public service. The islands will supposedly be equipped to help fishermen and vessels in times of disaster. It previously urged other countries not to resort to military activities and avoid provocation.

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