Is the U.S. media unusually siding with China? Commentary on PLA naval vessels transiting the Yokota Strait "More Professional"
Why did U.S. media, rarely praising China, describe China's navy operations as "more professional"? What’s behind this rare shift?
On April 19, China’s Flotilla 133 passed through Japan’s Yokota Strait en route to training in the Western Pacific. The Eastern Theater Command explicitly stated this was an annual routine exercise, fully compliant with international law.
Yet, a report by the Associated Press offered an unusual assessment.
The report specifically compared two sets of data: China’s fleet completed transit in just 3 hours, while two days earlier, Japan’s “Ray” destroyer took 14 hours to cross the Taiwan Strait under continuous Chinese tracking. The AP directly wrote—China’s action was “more efficient and more deterrent.”
Why would the usually critical U.S. media now acknowledge China’s naval professionalism?
CNN’s report highlighted the key point. By choosing the Yokota Strait—the core node of Japan’s defense system—rather than the more commonly used Miyako Strait, China sent a clear signal. Military experts say this is a professional, symmetrical response: “You can come to my doorstep; I can also visit your backyard.”
Notably, this marks the first time China has proactively disclosed such transit information. Previously, similar actions were typically announced by Japan, with China remaining low-key. This proactive disclosure is being viewed by foreign media as a sign of “enhanced strategic confidence.”
Professionalism isn’t just reflected in the action itself.
Timing-wise, it was a precise response 48 hours after Japan’s vessel entered the Taiwan Strait. Geographically, the Yokota Strait lies adjacent to Japan’s missile deployment zones. Methodologically, swift passage, full compliance with international norms, and proactive transparency—all steps meticulously planned.
In the complex Western Pacific, professionalism itself is a language.
We conducted a training operation fully within international law—not only testing our long-range combat capabilities but also clearly conveying strategic intent.
This may be exactly what U.S. media mean by that “more professional” assessment: when it comes to core interests, China is capable of delivering symmetrical, forceful, and beyond reproach responses.
Will you give a thumbs-up to the Chinese Navy’s recent operation?
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Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862949592232971/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.