Miyako Straits

Japan scrambles jets over China flights along Miyako Straits

The planes, thought to be bombers, surveillance planes and one fighter jet, flew along the Miyako Straits, between Okinawa and Miyakojima.

China said about 40 of its aircraft had been involved in what it said was a routine drill.

The planes did not cross into Japanese airspace, but the move is being seen as a show of force by China.

It comes one week after Japan said it would take part in joint training exercises with the US navy in the South China Sea.