Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks on Japan’s Accusation of Chinese Naval Carrier-Based Aircraft Conducting “Radar Illumination” on Japanese SDF Fighter Jets

Q: It's reported that on the early morning of December 7, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said at an emergency press conference that the J-15 fighter jet from the Chinese naval aircraft carrier Liaoning intermittently targeted its radar at Japanese Air Self Defense Force F-15 fighter jets on two occasions over international waters southeast of the Okinawa Prefecture on the afternoon of December 6. The Defense Minister called it "a dangerous act that exceeded the scope necessary for safe aircraft operations," and said the Japanese side has lodged a "strong protest" with the Chinese side. What's China's comment?

A: The Chinese military has stated its serious position on the issue. The facts are very clear. It is the frequent close-in reconnaissance and disruptions conducted by Japan's fighter jets on China's normal military activities that have caused the biggest maritime and air security risk. China does not accept the so-called protest from the Japanese side and has rejected it on the spot and lodged counter-protests in Beijing and in Tokyo.

Under the current circumstance, the Japanese side, by hyping up the so-called issue of "radar illumination," is deliberately making a false accusation against China to build up tension and mislead the international community. It is purely ill-intentioned. China firmly opposes it and strongly urges the Japanese side to immediately stop its dangerous moves of harassing China's normal military exercise and training, and stop all irresponsible disinformation and political manipulation.