China’s Ministry of National Defense on Sunday condemned Japan’s portrayal of recent training activities by the Liaoning aircraft carrier formation in the sea area east of the Miyako Strait, calling Tokyo’s claims “provocative” and “misleading.”
“These far-sea training exercises fully comply with international law and established practices,” said Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense. He urged the Japanese side to “conduct thorough self-reflection, rectify its errors and completely abandon any unlawful attempts.”
Zhang warned that Japan’s actions had “escalated provocations and disturbances in the military security domain,” questioning Tokyo’s intentions and warning that a return to militarism would “inevitably plunge [Japan] into an abyss from which there is no return.”
The Liaoning carrier formation recently conducted routine flight training east of the Miyako Strait, a key maritime corridor in the region. China’s strong response highlights the sensitive nature of military activities in these waters.
Observers are now watching to see how Tokyo will respond to Beijing’s call for self-reflection and restraint.
Reporting by Xinhua News Agency.
Reference(s):
China slams Japan's hyping of Liaoning aircraft carrier's training
cgtn.com
