Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu says the government will take all possible steps to ensure the safe navigation of vessels when China sets up a no-fly zone for a limited time on Sunday.

Matsuno told reporters on Thursday that China has informed Japan it will impose the zone north of Taiwan for 27 minutes from 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Japan time.

Beijing says the closure is for aerospace activities that could affect flight safety.

Matsuno said the zone will include the airspace over part of Japan's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ.

He said China's restriction only covers the airspace. He said it does not refer to the sea area at all.

Matsuno said the government has made inquiries and asked for a more detailed explanation from the Chinese side.

He said the government is collecting information and carrying out analysis so it can respond appropriately.

He said the government will carefully monitor the situation and do its best to ensure safe navigation.