S/ Koizumi Shinjiro, Japanese Defense Minister / The Chinese side claims it announced in advance the training sea and air space for fighters from the Liaoning aircraft carrier. But I am not aware that NOTAMs, or aviation notices, for Liaoning-based aircraft’s training area or navigational warnings were issued beforehand.

Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro made these remarks in connection with the December 6 incident in which Liaoning-based jets intermittently locked radar on the Japanese Self-Defense Forces’ F-15 aircraft twice.

The Chinese navy claims that the SDF aircraft interfered during a training exercise it had announced about in advance, but Koizumi flatly denied this assertion.

The defense minister refrained from confirming media reports that China did not respond to the defense hotline with Japan, saying he was doing so to ensure smooth communication with the country.

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae emphasized the importance of dialogue with China, saying the two sides must increase mutual understanding and cooperation precisely because there are outstanding issues and concerns.

She added that Tokyo remains open to dialogue with Beijing.