Chinese Navy criticizes Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force designation over use of "Japan Navy"
Chinese media has reported critically on the designation of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). It has been revealed that a Chinese naval vessel requested via radio that the JMSDF refrain from using the term "Japan Navy."
According to reports, the Chinese Navy asserted during the radio communication that "under its constitution, Japan is only permitted to possess Self-Defense Forces." Therefore, they pointed out that the term "Self-Defense Forces" should be used instead of "Japan Navy."
This is not the first time such a point has been raised. It is reported that similar exchanges regarding the designation occurred during the 2018 radar lock-on incident between Japan and South Korea. It is believed that the Chinese side intends to emphasize the position that Japan is prohibited by its constitution from maintaining a military.
This report has once again highlighted the maritime tensions between Japan and China, as well as the differences in diplomatic stances regarding military terminology. Experts are closely monitoring how such radio exchanges might impact communication between the two nations.