On December 10, 2025, at a regular press conference, the Chinese mainland’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun accused the Japanese side of deliberately provoking tensions around the so-called “radar illumination” incident. Guo argued that warplanes from Japan harassed a carrier and then spread disinformation, calling it a full-blown political stunt.
China’s media have released audio recordings and detailed findings, Guo said, insisting the facts are crystal clear. He emphasized that the Chinese mainland’s recent drills in regional waters and airspace fully comply with international law and are carried out in a “professional, safe and restrained” manner.
Guo noted inconsistencies in Tokyo’s statements: one day Japan claimed it had not been notified of the drills; the next day it admitted prior notice. Worse, he said, Japan sent warplanes into pre-announced zones for hostile surveillance and “disruptive maneuvers” to whip up a crisis and fuel media hype 🤔.
“Is Japan trying to divert attention and mislead the international community?” Guo asked, warning that allies of Japan should stay clear-eyed and not be misled.
He also urged Japan to reflect on the root causes of the current slump in China-Japan relations, take responsibility, and retract Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on China’s Taiwan region.
As tensions simmer, global observers are watching whether Tokyo will respond, and how this spat might reshape ties between two of Asia’s major economies 🌐✈️.
Reference(s):
China says Japan is provocateur behind 'radar illumination' stunt
cgtn.com
