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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

China Navy Warns Japan: 'Your 'Japan Navy' Name Violates Constitution'

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A Chinese naval task force corrected Japanese forces during a routine training mission, stating they were in international waters and that Japan's self-identification as "Japan Navy" violated its constitution.
  • The incident occurred as China and Russia conducted joint patrols in waters Japan considers part of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
  • China's Ministry of National Defense stated that the waters were high seas, not Japan's EEZ, and warned Japan to cease provocative actions.

A Chinese naval task force issued a stern warning to Japanese forces during a routine training mission, asserting their presence in international waters and correcting Japan's self-designation as the "Japan Navy." The incident, captured in exclusive audio recordings obtained by Global Times, occurred during joint patrols conducted by Chinese and Russian navies in waters that Japan claims as part of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

China Naval Task Force, this is 'Japan Navy.' We are conducting lawful activities in international airspace in accordance with international law. Over.

— Japanese forcesThe initial self-identification by Japanese forces during the encounter.

In the audio, Japanese forces identified themselves as "Japan Navy." The Chinese task force responded by stating, "China Naval Task Force, this is 'Japan Navy.' We are conducting lawful activities in international airspace in accordance with international law. Over." The Chinese side then corrected the Japanese statement: "Japan Fleet, this is China Naval Task Force. What you call 'Japan Navy' has violated your constitution. You can only maintain the Self-Defense Forces. Watch your words. Over."

Japan Fleet, this is China Naval Task Force. What you call 'Japan Navy' has violated your constitution. You can only maintain the Self-Defense Forces. Watch your words. Over.

— Chinese task forceThe Chinese task force's correction of the Japanese forces' designation.

Despite the correction, the Japanese side reportedly refused to change its designation, maintaining, "China Naval Task Force, this is 'Japan Navy.' We are maintaining a safe distance in accordance with international law and practice. Over." The Chinese forces issued a final warning: "Japan Fleet, this is China Naval Task Force. Warning: if there is a misunderstanding and miscalculation, stop your actions and leave immediately. Over."

China Naval Task Force, this is 'Japan Navy.' We are maintaining a safe distance in accordance with international law and practice. Over.

— Japanese forcesThe Japanese forces' refusal to alter their self-designation.

Responding to the incident, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, clarified that the waters where the Chinese and Russian militaries were conducting patrols are part of the high seas, not Japan's EEZ. He was addressing media reports that claimed Chinese vessels had entered Japanese territory. The statement also implicitly referenced Japan's post-war constitution, which renounces war and the right to belligerency, suggesting Japan's self-identification as a "Navy" might be constitutionally questionable.

Japan Fleet, this is China Naval Task Force. Warning: if there is a misunderstanding and miscalculation, stop your actions and leave immediately. Over.

— Chinese task forceThe final warning issued by the Chinese task force.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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