China has raised concerns regarding Japan’s escalating military activities, cautioning that the nation’s recent defense strategies could jeopardize peace and stability in the region. During a routine press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun responded to reports about Ukrainian drone companies aiming to collaborate with Japanese counterparts. He emphasized that international partnerships should enhance regional security and stability instead of exacerbating tensions.
Guo highlighted that Japan has been actively advancing its military capabilities over recent years. This includes the development of medium- and long-range offensive weapons, relaxing restrictions on the export of lethal arms, broadening the scope of its Self-Defense Forces, and fortifying security relationships with nations beyond its immediate region. These measures, according to Guo, extend beyond the boundaries of Japan’s postwar defense setup and challenge the core principles of its historically defense-focused security policy.
The spokesman further expressed that such military expansions could potentially disrupt the international order established after World War II and contradict Japan’s long-standing reputation as a nation devoted to peace. These developments raise alarms about Japan’s shift from its traditional defense stance, which has been a cornerstone of its security posture since the end of the war.
Amid these concerns, China has urged the global community to remain alert to what it perceives as signs of increasing militarization in Japan. The call to action stresses the importance of maintaining regional stability and preventing actions that could lead to heightened tensions. China emphasizes the need for concerted international efforts to ensure peace and security in the region.