Japan scrambles jets as Chinese warplanes fly near Okinawa

Japan’s Air Force deployed fighter jets to shadow Chinese warplanes passing near the island of Okinawa, according to reports citing the Japanese Defense Ministry. Okinawa is the home base of the majority of US troops stationed in Japan.


There was no airspace infringement, according to Japanese Defense Ministry, as cited by Nikkei news outlet.

The 13 Chinese aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and an early warning plane, passed through the Miyako Strait, which separates Okinawa from Japan’s Miyako Island, according to the Japanese Defense Ministry.

The Miyako Strait is one of the few paths through which China can send its warplanes into the western Pacific through international airspace.
  [rt.com]
2/3/17
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