Beijing: A Chinese defense spokesperson on Sunday dismissed Japanese claims that Chinese military aircraft had flown "abnormally close" to its planes, stating that China's response was legitimate and professional.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Japanese Air Self-Defense Force intelligence-gathering aircraft had engaged in repeated close-in surveillance efforts in China's air defense identification zone over the East China Sea. Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, addressed these actions in response to media inquiries.

Jiang asserted that Chinese aircraft executed measures to identify, track, and monitor the Japanese planes in accordance with the law. He emphasized, "Our response was entirely legitimate, reasonable, and conducted in a professional and standard manner."

The spokesperson highlighted that close-in reconnaissance and harassment by Japanese military vessels and aircraft are sources of maritime and air security risks between China and Japan. Jiang urged, "We urge the Japanese side to work with China to foster an atmosphere conducive to the stable development of bilateral ties."