Chinese authorities on Tuesday accused the Japanese government of “exaggerating” external threats to justify its remilitarization after Tokyo lodged a protest note over maneuvers carried out by a Chinese military vessel in disputed waters between the two countries.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press conference that Japan is “creating controversy around the legitimate actions of other countries.” “It exaggerates external threats to seek justifications for its own accelerated remilitarization and its challenges to the international order,” he stated, according to information collected by the Global Times newspaper.
He also stressed that the military maneuvers with Russia “are legitimate” and that the parties have already “explained their position” on the matter. “China’s actions in the corresponding maritime areas comply with International Law and usual practices,” he highlighted, while urging the international community to “remain alert” to what he has classified as a “dangerous trend.”
His words come after Japanese government spokesman Minoru Kihara reported that Tokyo has lodged a protest with Beijing over China’s maneuvers near a territory claimed by Japan near the Okinotorishima atoll on July 19. According to Kihara, these maneuvers could have posed a risk to vessels navigating in the area.
However, Beijing emphasizes that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea establishes that Okinotorishima is a reef and not an island, and therefore cannot generate an exclusive economic zone or a continental shelf. Consequently, it stated that Japan’s claims over these waters constitute a violation of international law.
