Japan Scrambles Jets Against Chinese Recon Aircraft

Japan's defence ministry scrambled jets to intercept a Chinese reconnaissance aircraft that briefly breached Japan's airspace for the first time. The government lodged a strong protest with Beijing through diplomatic channels. The aircraft, identified as a Y-9 reconnaissance plane, flew over the Danjo Islands off southern Kyushu.

In a significant escalation, Japan's defence ministry reported that it scrambled jets on Monday morning against a Chinese reconnaissance aircraft that breached its airspace for a few minutes.

This incident marks the first occasion a Chinese military aircraft has violated Japan's airspace. In response, the Japanese government has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Beijing.

The reconnaissance aircraft, identified as a Y-9, flew over the Danjo Islands near the southern island of Kyushu between 11:29 a.m. and 11:31 a.m.

(With inputs from agencies.)