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Japan accuses China of airspace intrusion over islands Japan accuses China of airspace intrusion over islands
(35 minutes later)
Japan has accused China of violating its airspace for the first time after a Chinese plane flew near disputed East China Sea islands.Japan has accused China of violating its airspace for the first time after a Chinese plane flew near disputed East China Sea islands.
Fighter jets were scrambled when the Chinese Oceanic Administration plane was observed, government spokesman Osamu Fujimura said.Fighter jets were scrambled when the Chinese Oceanic Administration plane was observed, government spokesman Osamu Fujimura said.
Japan lodged an immediate protest with Beijing, he said.Japan lodged an immediate protest with Beijing, he said.
The islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, have been a long-standing source of tension.The islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, have been a long-standing source of tension.
The Chinese plane was spotted at around 11:00 local time (02:00 GMT), Mr Fujimura said.The Chinese plane was spotted at around 11:00 local time (02:00 GMT), Mr Fujimura said.
He called the incident "extremely deplorable", saying it followed a report from the Japanese coast guard that Chinese surveillance ships were seen in waters near the islands earlier in the day.He called the incident "extremely deplorable", saying it followed a report from the Japanese coast guard that Chinese surveillance ships were seen in waters near the islands earlier in the day.
The Chinese ambassador in Tokyo had been summoned to hear a formal Japanese protest, he said.
Hong Lei, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, however said during a regular news briefing that the plane's flight was "completely normal".Hong Lei, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, however said during a regular news briefing that the plane's flight was "completely normal".
The Chinese ministry also said that Japan should stop entering the sea and airspace near the disputed islands, Reuters news agency reports.The Chinese ministry also said that Japan should stop entering the sea and airspace near the disputed islands, Reuters news agency reports.
Japan controls the islands, which are also claimed by Taiwan. Close to strategically important shipping lanes, the waters around the islands also offer rich fishing grounds and are thought to contain oil deposits.Japan controls the islands, which are also claimed by Taiwan. Close to strategically important shipping lanes, the waters around the islands also offer rich fishing grounds and are thought to contain oil deposits.
The Japanese government's acquisition of three of the islands from their private Japanese owner in September sparked both diplomatic and public protests in China.The Japanese government's acquisition of three of the islands from their private Japanese owner in September sparked both diplomatic and public protests in China.
Since then Chinese ships have been sailing in and out of waters around the islands, prompting warnings from Japan.Since then Chinese ships have been sailing in and out of waters around the islands, prompting warnings from Japan.
Last year, Japan said two Chinese military planes flew near the area, but did not enter the country's airspace.Last year, Japan said two Chinese military planes flew near the area, but did not enter the country's airspace.