Japan scrambles fighter after spotting suspected Chinese drone, ministry says

Representational photo: A Japan Air SF-15J Eagle assigned to the 201st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Chitose Air Base takes off at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 17, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe via U.S. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service)

(Reuters) - Japan's defence ministry said on Tuesday it scrambled a jet fighter after spotting a suspected Chinese drone between the Japanese island of Yonaguni and Taiwan.

The drone flew towards Bashi Channel that separates Taiwan from the Philippines, the ministry said in a statement.

(Reporting by Eimi Yamamitsu; Editing by Andrew Heavens)