NHK reported this afternoon that in relation to an incident in which SDF fighter jets scrambled in response to a Chinese military aircraft’s entry into Japan’s air defense identification zone over the Tsushima Strait on Monday, Foreign Minister Kono called on China to exercise restraint regarding activities that could undermine bilateral rapprochement and expressed the need to make arrangements for the swift launch of a communication mechanism to prevent contingencies. “In a series of meetings I had on Sunday with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and others, [the Chinese officials] clearly demonstrated their political will to improve the Japan-China relationship,” said Kono. “I’m sure the Chinese side will work toward preventing further moves that could undermine our rapprochement.” He went on to say: “While final coordination will be conducted between the defense authorities, I expect that the operation of the mechanism will commence as soon as possible since the Chinese side is also very positive about the idea.”