China urges 'objective' view from Japan over naval operations

In response to Japanese scrutiny of its naval movements, China has stressed that its national defence policy is defensive in nature. Beijing expressed hope that Japan would view its recent two-carrier operations in the Pacific "objectively and rationally."

Following an historic naval exercise in the Pacific, China's foreign ministry has called for a measured interpretation from Japan. The statement came after Japan's defence minister commented on the first-ever simultaneous deployment of two Chinese aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, near remote Japanese islands.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian asserted that China's activities were fully consistent with international law and practice. "China has always pursued a defensive national defence policy," Lin told a regular news briefing, directly addressing the concerns.

The core of China's expressed concern is the potential for misinterpretation of its intentions. "China... hopes that the Japanese side will look at the matter objectively and rationally," Lin stated, suggesting that Beijing views Japan's reaction as potentially disproportionate to the nature of the naval operations.

The Chinese response was prompted by statements from Tokyo. Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani had told a press conference that Japan's "prompt disclosure of information concerning the carriers underscores its commitment to deter any forceful, unilateral shifts in the regional status quo." He also confirmed Japan would continue to build up its air defences and closely monitor Chinese naval vessels.

The naval movements, including a report of the Liaoning sailing within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Minamitorishima, were presented by Beijing as routine and lawful exercises for a growing navy with a defensive posture.

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