China Condemns Japan for Monitoring Liaoning Carrier Training

The Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China condemned Japan for continuously tracking and disclosing operational data regarding the People's Liberation Army Navy's Liaoning Aircraft Carrier Task Group during training exercises in the Western Pacific. Between June 9 and June 10, 2026, Chinese officials criticized the Japanese government for releasing specific details about the task group's composition, including the precise vessel count, geographic locations, and the frequency of aircraft sorties.

Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang characterized these disclosures as a propaganda campaign designed to stoke tensions and mislead public opinion. He stated that the far-seas training is a legitimate operation intended to enhance combat capabilities and is not targeted at any specific country or entity. Zhang further asserted that Chinese forces responded to multiple Japanese surveillance operations in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

In response, the Ministry of Defence of Japan and the Japanese Defense Minister indicated they would maintain a state of alert. The Japanese side affirmed its intent to continue monitoring the task group's activities in the region to ensure regional security and stability, asserting the necessity of tracking foreign military movements within the Western Pacific.