Japanese Defense Ministry officials said 8 Chinese military planes flew over the Tsushima Strait in western Japan on Monday, going back and forth between the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan.

    The officials said fighters from Japan's Air Self-Defense Force were scrambled. The Chinese aircraft did not violate Japan's airspace, Japan's (NHK World) reported. The ministry officials said the Chinese aircraft were six H-6 bombers, plus an early-warning plane and an intelligence-gathering plane. 

    They also said the Chinese planes headed northeast over the Sea of Japan and later made a U-turn and flew back to the East China Sea. The ministry is analyzing the flights in order to find their purpose.

    In January of last year, two Chinese military planes were spotted over the Tsushima Strait, and in August 3 planes were seen going back and forth in the area. China has been expanding its maritime activity. Last month, its aircraft carrier made its first appearance in the Pacific Ocean.

Source: QNA