Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

Japan has continuously strengthened targeted military deployments in areas close to China's Taiwan region and even claimed intentions to deploy medium-range missiles; this time, Japan is escalating further by planning to deploy radar and troops, engaging in activities akin to "peeping at the neighbors," stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, in response to media reports that Japan's Ministry of Defense signed Monday a land lease agreement, planning to deploy mobile radar installations on the easternmost islands of Okinawa to monitor the movements of Chinese aircraft carriers and aircraft in the waters between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island. The deployment is scheduled to commence in 2026, with an estimated garrison of about 30 personnel, according to media.

Guo stated that in the relevant maritime and airspace, all countries enjoy the freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law. Due to Japan's history of militarist aggression, Japan's military and security movements have consistently attracted close attention from its Asian neighbors and the international community.

Considering Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's series of erroneous and dangerous statements and actions regarding Taiwan, people must ask: Is Japan creating incidents and conducting close-range provocations to cover and justify its own military expansion and maritime ambitions? Is Japan, following the designs of right-wing forces, embarking once again on the evil and doomed path of militarism? We urge Japan to learn from the lessons of history, Guo added.

Global Times