BEIJING, Oct. 29 -- "Anyone familiar with history knows that manipulating public opinion first, fabricating excuses next and taking actions in the end is an old trick of Japanese militarists to launch aggression in the past," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a press conference on October 29, 2026.

According to media reports, China’s PLANS Liaoning Carrier Task Group recently conducted far-seas training in the Western Pacific. The Japanese Self-Defense Force vessels and aircraft tracked and monitored the Chinese carrier task group, while some Japanese defense officials claimed that Japan's monitoring capabilities are limited and Japan needs to further strengthen its "defense posture".

In response to the above reports, the spokesperson pointed out that the training of the PLANS Liaoning Carrier Task Group (CTG Liaoning) in relevant waters of the Western Pacific is a routine arrangement within the annual plan of the Chinese military. It aims to test and improve the combat capabilities of the CTG in the far seas, does not target any specific country or objective, and is in compliance with international law and international practices.

"Many netizens refer to the Japanese side as a 'chief photographer' of the Chinese PLA Navy. These 'chief photographers' often spy on China's normal training and exercises, exaggerate the situation, deceive the Japanese public, mislead international public opinion, and make up excuses for Japan’s military expansion and reinforcement," added the spokesperson.

"The international community should stay on high alert against such tricks played by Japan's right-wing forces, and resolutely curb the reckless moves of Japan's neo-militarism," stressed the spokesperson.