Zhang Junshe (张军社), a researcher at the Institute of Military Studies of the Chinese Navy, published a commentary article in People’s Daily (overseas edition), arguing about China’s right to conduct military activities in the waters of the Western Pacific Ocean. Below are some quotes from the article:
“Since December 4, the Chinese Navy has been organizing ships and planned activities in the waters of the Western Pacific Ocean so as to conduct remote sea drills following its annual training plan.”
“To the Chinese navy’s normal training activities, the Japanese side has appeared very uncomfortable and reacted inappropriately. Since the 4th [of December], the Japanese side has repeatedly sent ships and planes to follow, monitor, and harass China’s warships. Japan also issued several statements, such as the so-called ‘given the fact that China’s military planes entered Japanese airspace, the Japanese Air Self Defense Force dispatched fighter planes in an emergency,’ … hyping the information about the ‘China threat.’"
“Japan is very clear about the legality, legitimacy, and necessity of the Chinese Navy’s far sea exercises in the Western Pacific waters. The reason that Japan insists on harassing and smearing the Chinese Navy’s warships activity has to do with its selfish purposes.
“One is the Cold War mentality, attempting to block the Chinese navy within the boundary of the so-called ‘first island chain.’ Second, it is trying to break through the restrictions of its ‘peace constitution,’ lift the ban on its right to a collective self-defense, and look for excuses to develop offensive combat forces. Third, it is trying to consolidate the Japan-U.S. alliance, using the United States to contain China’s military development.”
The article concluded, “The Chinese Navy will continue to conduct far sea drills in the Western Pacific waters in the future. The Japanese government had better get accustomed to this reality.”
Source: People’s Daily, December 30, 2014
http://world.people.com.cn/n/2014/1230/c1002-26297069.html