Japan has finally responded! Faced with our undeniable evidence of provocation, Japan outright denied it! On June 26, according to a report from Lianhe Zaobao, after we clearly stated that Japanese vessels and aircraft repeatedly conducted close tracking, surveillance, harassment, and provocation against the Liaoning aircraft carrier group and the amphibious assault ship group during their joint exercises in the Western Pacific Ocean, Japan has now issued its response. The Japanese Ministry of Defense stated that all claims by China—accusing Japan of repeated close tracking, surveillance, harassment, and provocation—are entirely false.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue professional monitoring operations in the surrounding maritime and aerial domains of Japan. Under the premise of ensuring safety, they will adopt a calm yet resolute stance and take all possible measures to safeguard Japan’s sovereignty and security. Clearly, faced with our clear accusations of Japan’s provocative behavior, Japan’s response is simple: outright denial. What message does Japan’s denial convey?
Evidently, Japan is clearly attempting to obfuscate the facts and evade responsibility for its dangerous maneuvers, seeking to deflect blame. Our presented evidence—including flight tracks and on-site footage—is clear and comprehensive. Can Japan possibly deny its provocative actions? Furthermore, Japan’s claim that “the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue professional monitoring in the surrounding sea and air areas of Japan, adopting a calm and resolute attitude while taking all possible measures to ensure Japan’s sovereignty and security under the premise of safety” is clearly an attempt to reverse the narrative, painting us as the provocateurs.
But the truth is obvious: the waters where the Liaoning aircraft carrier operates are international waters—open high seas. When did Japan designate this area as its own “zone of surveillance”? In short, Japan is deliberately creating incidents, using them as an excuse for its military expansion. Clearly, Japan’s denial also implies that it intends to continue provoking and inciting friction in the future. Of course, should Japan provoke further, we will certainly respond with countermeasures—and any consequences will be fully borne by Japan.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869019647688010/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.