China has denounced Japan as the instigator of a recent maritime confrontation, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stating on Wednesday that Tokyo "deliberately harassed" Chinese naval operations before spreading misinformation about radar-related tensions. The remarks come amid heightened regional scrutiny over military activities in the East China Sea.
At a press briefing, Guo revealed that Chinese media had published audio recordings and detailed evidence clarifying the December 10 incident, which involved Japanese warplanes entering China\u2019s pre-announced exercise zones. "Japan\u2019s contradictory claims \u2013 first denying, then admitting receipt of prior notification \u2013 expose their attempts to fabricate a crisis narrative," Guo asserted.
The spokesperson emphasized that China\u2019s military drills adhered strictly to international law, describing them as "professional and restrained." He criticized Japan\u2019s "hostile surveillance" maneuvers near the Chinese carrier group as deliberate provocations designed to generate media hype.
Guo urged the international community to recognize Japan\u2019s "political stunt," particularly calling on Tokyo\u2019s allies to avoid being "misguided" by its narratives. The remarks follow recent tensions over Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi\u2019s comments regarding the Taiwan region, which Beijing insists must be retracted to preserve bilateral relations.
Analysts suggest the exchange underscores deepening strategic rivalries in Asia, with maritime security becoming a focal point for regional diplomacy in 2025.
