Beijing: China on Tuesday defended its military practices, stating that it is "common practice" for carrier-borne aircraft to activate radar during training exercises. This comment was made in response to Japan's protest regarding a recent incident involving Chinese aircraft.

According to Anadolu Agency, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the issue during a news conference in Beijing. Guo explained that the activation of search radars by carrier-borne aircraft during training is a standard procedure aimed at ensuring flight safety. This statement was made following Japan's Defense Ministry announcement that Chinese J-15 aircraft from the carrier Liaoning had locked radar on two Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) F-15 jets over international waters southeast of Okinawa's main island.

Guo Jiakun further stated that China has clearly communicated its position on the matter, emphasizing that the facts are evident. He questioned the presence of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces' fighter jets in the area, suggesting that their actions may have contributed to the incident. Guo inquired if Japan was deliberately attempting to disrupt China's normal exercises and training, potentially escalating tensions between the two nations.

The radar incident has occurred amidst already strained relations between Beijing and Tokyo, particularly following remarks by Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on November 7. She suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could be considered a 'survival-threatening situation,' which might allow Japan to 'exercise the right of collective self-defense.' In response, China criticized these comments, discouraged tourism to Japan, halted seafood imports, and postponed a planned trilateral meeting with Japan and South Korea's culture ministers.