On Wednesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused Japan of orchestrating a “radar illumination” controversy to divert attention from a recent maritime drill. Spokessperson Guo Jiakun branded Tokyo the “provocateur” behind the incident, insisting Japan must take full responsibility.
China’s state media have released audio recordings and detailed logs that, according to Guo, leave “no room for doubt” about what transpired. The evidence, he said, clarifies the timeline and the actions of both sides during the exercise.
Highlighting the professionalism of the operation, Guo stressed that the Chinese mainland’s air and sea exercises “fully comply with international law and practice,” and that its maneuvers are “professional, standard, safe, restrained and beyond reproach.”
Guo also pointed to discrepancies in Tokyo’s account: Japan initially claimed it received no notice of the drill, only to later admit it had been informed. He accused Japanese warplanes of entering the pre-announced exercise zone, conducting hostile surveillance and disruptive maneuvers to manufacture a crisis and stir media hype.
Calling on allies to stay vigilant, Guo urged the international community not to be misled by Japan’s narrative. He challenged Tokyo to address the real causes of the current strains in bilateral relations and to retract Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on the Taiwan region.
Reference(s):
China says Japan is provocateur behind 'radar illumination' stunt
cgtn.com
