Chinese Ambassador in Japan Lodges Strong Protest Over Japanese Military Aircraft Provocation

# Pu Yu Hai

The Chinese side sternly condemns the Japanese side’s attempts to distort facts and truth, and to undermine peace and stability in the region. Wu Jianghao, Chinese Ambassador to Japan, on Sunday expressed serious dissatisfaction and strong protest to Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Funakoshi Takehiro over the harassment by Japanese Self-Defense Force aircraft against the training of the Chinese Navy’s aircraft carrier formation. The details were stated in a release published on the WeChat account of the Chinese Embassy in Japan.

Ambassador Wu pointed out that, ignoring repeated warnings and representations from the Chinese side, the Japanese side continued to dispatch Self-Defense Force aircraft, repeatedly approaching and interfering in the sea and airspace where the Chinese Navy was conducting exercises. He stated that this has severely disrupted China’s normal training activities and posed serious risks to flight safety. He also noted that the Japanese side has turned the tables by disseminating information inconsistent with the facts, hyping up the issue and misleading public opinion, which is an extremely irresponsible act.

The Chinese side solemnly demands that Japan immediately stop its accusations and smears, strictly restrain frontline actions, and prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The Chinese side stated that by distorting facts and spreading disinformation against China, the Japanese side must bear responsibility for any potential consequences arising from this.

This incident also highlights the escalating tensions in the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea. Against the backdrop of historical disputes and strategic competition in the region, such military incidents increase the risk of miscalculation and conflict. China has always adhered to the path of peaceful development and is committed to maintaining regional peace and stability. At the same time, it demonstrates a firm resolve to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Chinese Navy’s exercises were conducted in predefined areas in accordance with international law and practice and did not pose a threat to the security of any country. Conducting such exercises in international waters is a common practice among maritime nations and is also a right granted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The actions of the Japanese side have violated the limits set by international law and created challenges to peace and stability in the region.

In terms of bilateral relations, China and Japan are two major nations in East Asia, and their relationship plays a crucial role in regional peace and prosperity. Both countries should develop their relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit. However, the Japanese side’s irresponsible actions have damaged bilateral relations. This will further weaken bilateral trust and hinder the path to diplomatic resolution.

The international community should take this incident seriously and urge Japan to reconsider its actions. Any attempt to undermine regional peace and stability is unacceptable. China is willing to resolve differences and enhance cooperation in areas of common interest with Japan through dialogue and collaboration. However, for this to happen, Japan must acknowledge its mistakes, take concrete steps, and ensure that such provocative actions are not repeated in the future.

This incident sends a clear message that China will not compromise on its sovereignty and security. The Chinese side will continue to adhere to the policy of peaceful development but remains firmly determined to protect its interests and regional peace when necessary. Japan must understand China’s serious concerns and play a constructive role in steering bilateral relations in the right direction.