China has voiced its apprehension regarding Japan’s expanding military operations, cautioning that the nation’s latest defense strategies might threaten peace and stability in the region. During a standard press conference on Tuesday, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, addressed reports about Ukrainian drone companies looking to collaborate with Japanese counterparts. He emphasized that international partnerships should aim to enhance regional stability and security, rather than escalating tensions.
Guo highlighted that Japan has been on a path of military growth, noting its efforts to develop medium- and long-range offensive capabilities. He pointed out Japan’s relaxation of restrictions on the export of lethal weapons, its expanded Self-Defense Forces activities, and its bolstered security relationships with countries beyond its immediate region.
The spokesman expressed concern that these actions surpass the boundaries of Japan’s post-World War II defense framework. He argued that they challenge the principles of Japan’s historically defense-oriented security policy, which has been a cornerstone of the nation’s international image as a committed advocate for peace.
Guo warned that Japan’s military advancements could potentially undermine the post-World War II international order. He suggested that such moves contradict the image of Japan as a peace-loving nation, an image it has carefully cultivated over the decades.
China urged the global community to stay alert to what it perceives as increasing signs of militarization in Japan. It called for concerted efforts to maintain regional stability, underscoring the importance of vigilance in the face of these developments.
