China's Ministry of National Defense has strongly criticized Japan for mischaracterizing routine naval exercises as security threats, escalating tensions amid ongoing regional security discussions. Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin confirmed on December 15, 2025, that Japanese military aircraft repeatedly entered designated Chinese training zones despite prior notifications, labeling the actions "provocative and irresponsible."
Timeline of Escalation
According to Jiang, the PLA Navy Ship Nangchang (101) provided advance notice to Japan's JS Teruzuki (116) on December 6 about scheduled flight training south of the aircraft carrier Liaoning. A second notification specified a six-hour training window starting at 3:00 p.m., with Japanese forces acknowledging receipt both times. Despite this coordination, Japanese fighter jets allegedly intruded multiple times into the exercise area.
Broader Implications
Jiang accused Japan of "deliberately misleading international observers" by framing China's lawful activities as aggressive while avoiding accountability for its own actions. The spokesperson emphasized that Tokyo must address historical grievances, particularly referencing the 88th anniversary commemorations of the Nanjing Massacre held across China this week.
"Japan continues to evade substantive dialogue about its wartime atrocities while manufacturing new confrontations," Jiang stated, urging sincere reflection on imperial-era aggression against China and other Asian nations.
