Japan's planned radar deployment on Okinawa's easternmost island is a "neighbor-peeping" act that stirs up trouble, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
Guo made the remarks in response to a query about a land lease deal reportedly signed by Japan's Defense Ministry for deploying a mobile surveillance radar unit on the easternmost island of Okinawa to monitor the activities of Chinese aircraft carriers and airplanes.
"We have noted relevant reports. It should be pointed out that in the relevant maritime and airspace, all countries enjoy freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law," Guo said.
"Due to Japan's history of militarist aggression and other reasons, Japan's military and security movements have consistently attracted close attention from its Asian neighbors and the international community. Japan has continuously strengthened targeted military deployments in areas close to China's Taiwan region and even claimed intentions to deploy medium-range missiles. This time, Japan is escalating further by planning to deploy radar and troops, engaging in activities akin to 'peeping at the neighbors.' Considering Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's series of erroneous and dangerous statements and actions regarding Taiwan, people must ask: Is Japan creating incidents and conducting close-range provocations to cover and justify its own military expansion and maritime ambitions? Is Japan, following the designs of right-wing forces, embarking once again on the evil and doomed path of militarism? We urge Japan to learn from the lessons of history," said Guo.
Japan's planned radar deployment "neighbor-peeping": spokesman
Japan's planned radar deployment "neighbor-peeping": spokesman
The China Media Group (CMG) on Thursday unveiled a set of four vibrant mascots for its 2026 Spring Festival Gala, one of the premier television events on China's entertainment calendar, heralding the upcoming Year of the Horse with wishes of vitality and ambition.
The Chinese lunar year for 2026 is the Year of the Horse and will begin on February 17, 2026.
Horse is one of the most dynamic and spirited in the 12-animal Chinese zodiac cycle, representing strength, perseverance, and unstoppable momentum.
The four mascots take their names from the Chinese expression -- "Qi Ji Chi Cheng" -- meaning "Galloping steed, Onward unstoppable", which is also the theme of the upcoming gala.
Inspired by classic representations of horses across different periods of Chinese history, the mascots are adorned with classic elements of traditional Chinese clouds and thunder.
The design is a reflection of the spirit of renewal and progress in the new year.
Qiqi, a dark-colored horse, features a vigorous posture, fully embodying the forward-looking and ambitious spirit.
Jiji, a horse spreading wings to soar through the clouds in pursuit of the sun, represents a spirit of striving and upward momentum.
Chichi has a tied-up tail, fully displaying a demeanor of confidence and composure.
The image of Chengcheng was inspired by Przewalski's horse. As the only surviving wild horse species on Earth, it is known as a "living genetic fossil" with a 60-million-year evolutionary history.
Being robust and agile, Chengcheng showcases the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
The Spring Festival Gala, or Chunwan, hosted by CMG has been an essential part of Chinese New Year celebrations since 1983, featuring an elaborate mix of performances such as songs, dances, comic sketches, traditional operas, and folk arts.
The annual spectacle, known as the most-watched television program in the world, is broadcast on the eve of the Chinese New Year, when families come together to ring in the new lunar year.
This year's Spring Festival Eve will meet global viewers on Feb 16, 2026.
China Media Group unveils mascots for 2026 Spring Festival Gala
