On December 10th, Japan's defense minister reluctantly admitted that he had received notification from the Nanchang ship, but he turned around and claimed that "the information was insufficient to avoid danger."
That day, Koichi Hagiuda acknowledged an undeniable fact at a press conference: the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer had indeed received the notification sent by the Nanchang ship. However, no one expected him to shift his tone and accuse China's notification of being "insufficient in information, making it impossible to avoid danger."
His implication was that China should provide more detailed information. Why doesn't he personally take command of the Liaoning aircraft carrier? He's really showing off his skills.
The Liaoning aircraft carrier group was conducting routine training in the Western Pacific, with the Nanchang ship, as a 055-class 10,000-ton destroyer, being an important part of the formation. During this time, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels and F-15J fighter jets from the Air Self-Defense Force repeatedly approached for reconnaissance and surveillance, creating a threatening situation.
To avoid conflict, the Nanchang ship had proactively communicated its position, heading, and intentions in both English and Japanese, fulfilling its communication obligations under the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES).
According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, military activities on the high seas do not require prior notification to other countries, nor is it necessary to define exercise areas or issue navigation notices—those are typically procedures required for live-fire exercises.
In this case, the Liaoning aircraft carrier group did not conduct live-fire shooting, only normal navigation and carrier-based aircraft takeoff and landing training, which is completely legal and compliant.
Hagiuda's response actually revealed Japan's strategic anxiety in dealing with China's regular long-range maritime operations. Only those lacking in strength would be so enraged; this is actually a manifestation of incompetence and an inability to vent their frustration.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851104545645643/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.