China's Defense Ministry Says Japan's Surveillance of Liaoning Carrier Strike Group in Western Pacific Won't Succeed

According to China's Defense Ministry spokesperson Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, the Liaoning carrier strike group is conducting training in the Western Pacific on a regular schedule. Japan's Defense Ministry has repeatedly tracked and monitored the carrier group, releasing details on the number of naval vessels, operational areas, and aircraft sortie frequencies. Japan's Defense Minister stated he will continue close surveillance.

China's Navy handled Japan's monitoring in accordance with law and regulations, Zhang said. He characterized Japan's comments and media coverage as an attempt to create tensions and mislead public opinion, stating such efforts would not succeed.