BEIJING, CHINA — China has sharply criticized Japan, demanding an immediate cessation of what it terms “slanderous claims” and urging stricter operational control by Tokyo’s forces following recent People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) training exercises involving the Liaoning aircraft carrier group east of the Miyako Strait. Beijing asserts that Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) aircraft harassed Chinese naval units within designated training zones, jeopardizing safety and disrupting routine maneuvers, prompting high-level diplomatic protests and stern warnings about potential escalation.
This diplomatic confrontation intensified after the close-contact interactions during the large-scale naval and air exercises conducted by the Liaoning battle group. According to Wang Xuemeng, a spokesperson for the PLAN, Tokyo’s characterization of the drills amounted to “hype” inconsistent with facts, emphasizing that China had legally notified relevant authorities about the designated air and sea training zones prior to the launch of carrier-based fighter jet exercises.
Safety Concerns and Alleged Harassment
Wang specified that Japanese SDF aircraft repeatedly approached the predefined training sectors, actively harassing the Chinese naval forces. “These actions disrupted normal training and seriously jeopardized flight safety,” Wang stated, confirming that the Chinese Navy is prepared to adopt necessary, lawful measures to safeguard national security, rights, and interests.
Echoing this sentiment, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defence, voiced “strong indignation” and “firm opposition” to what he labeled Japan’s provocations designed to “mislead public opinion.” Zhang stressed that China’s far-sea exercises east of the Miyako Strait fully conform to established international law and practices.
“Japan has recently escalated its provocations in the military-security sphere—what are its true intentions?” Zhang questioned, adding a pointed warning: “Should Japan return to the perilous path of militarism, it will inevitably plunge into an abyss with no return.”
Diplomatic Protest Lodged
The diplomatic fallout extended to the highest levels. China’s Ambassador to Japan, Wu Jianghao, lodged a formal and stern protest with Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Takehiro Funakoshi.
“Japan’s actions are grossly irresponsible,” Ambassador Wu stated during the meeting, urging Tokyo to halt “defamation” and rigorously regulate its front-line activities to prevent any similar recurrence.
This incident highlights intensifying military tensions in the East China Sea region, where the overlapping claims and proximate military operations of China and Japan present ongoing risks of miscalculation. The Miyako Strait, a key international waterway, is strategically significant for the PLAN as it provides access to the Pacific Ocean for its burgeoning blue-water fleet, including the Liaoning carrier.
China’s defense officials are demanding that Japan reflect, correct its course, and abandon what they term “unlawful designs.” The dispute underscores the urgent need for robust bilateral crisis communication mechanisms to manage interactions between military assets operating in internationally contested waters. Analysts suggest that absent clearer operational protocols, the risk of accidental escalation remains high as both nations continue to expand their naval and air capabilities in the region.