China asserts neutrality of aircraft carrier drills amid Japanese surveillance

The training activities conducted by the CNS Liaoning aircraft carrier task group in the Western Pacific are not aimed at any specific country, a Chinese defense spokesman said on Tuesday, criticizing Japan for multiple surveillance operations.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made these remarks in an online briefing in response to media reports that Japan has been tracking and monitoring the Liaoning task group's training. Japan's Ministry of Defense has continuously disclosed details about the task group, including the number of vessels, training location, and the number of sorties flown by ship-borne aircraft.

The Japanese defense chief reportedly stated that they would continue to closely monitor the Chinese carrier task group and remain on alert. Zhang noted that the Liaoning carrier task group is currently conducting training in relevant waters of the Western Pacific as planned.

"The operation is not targeted at any specific country or entity. It aims to enhance the combat capabilities of the task group through far-seas training," he said. The Chinese side responded to Japan's multiple surveillance operations during the training in accordance with laws and regulations, Zhang added.

"People see clearly that the Japanese side is playing up China's legitimate operation to stoke tensions and mislead public opinion. This propaganda campaign will never succeed," the spokesman noted.