13 December 2012, for the first time in Japanese history Japan has scrambled eight F-15 Eagles and one AWACS to intercept what turned out to be a Chinese research aircraft.

Japanese officials say it was the first time a Chinese aircraft violated Japanese airspace, however, China says the airspace belongs to them.  Recently Japan took over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.  China and Taiwan say the islands are in Chinese territory.

The Chinese aircraft belongs to China’s Oceanic Administration.  China has also been sending ships into the disputed area.  Recently the Obama administration said publicly that the United States supports Japan’s claims to disputed territory.