CCTV News: According to the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang responded to reporters’ questions regarding the passage of Japanese Self-Defense Force ships through the Taiwan Strait.
Reporter: On April 17, a Japanese Self-Defense Force ship passed through the Taiwan Strait. Do you have any comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: The Japanese destroyer "Thunder" sailed through the Taiwan Strait, and the Eastern Theater Command organized naval and air forces to follow it throughout the process to effectively control and control it. We have made solemn representations to Japan and lodged a strong protest. Japan's move is a deliberate provocation. It has made repeated mistakes. What is its intention? Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made wrong remarks related to Taiwan and still refuses to repent. The Japanese Self-Defense Force ships are making trouble in the Taiwan Strait and sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. This will only arouse greater indignation of the Chinese people and strengthen their determination to counter Japan's provocations. We urge the Japanese side to repent, abide by the one-China principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, and not to go further down the wrong path. The Chinese military has always been on high alert, resolutely resisting all attempts at external interference, and safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
