News

Japan: China plane spotted over disputed islands

By Yuri Kageyama
Published December 13, 2012 11:36am ET
Add Washington Examiner on Google
Japan: China plane spotted over disputed islands
In this photo released by Japan Coast Guard 11th Regional Coast Guard, a Chinese airplane flies in Japanese airspace above the islands known as Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese in southwestern Japan Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. A Japanese government spokesman said a Chinese airplane has been spotted in Japanese airspace above the islands controlled by Tokyo but also claimed by Beijing. The Defense Agency said four Japanese F-15 jets headed to the area which has been at the center of a territorial dispute Thursday morning, but no further action was taken. (AP Photo/Japan Coast Guard 11th Regional Coast Guard) EDITORIAL USE ONLY | AP

TOKYO (AP) — A Chinese airplane was spotted Thursday above small islands controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing, the first time a Chinese aircraft allegedly violated airspace over the islands and the latest in a brewing territorial spat.

Japan levied a formal protest later in the day, but China said it was merely carrying out a normal operation.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.

Tag:

World