China Calls for Vigilance Against Japan's "New Militarism"

Reference News Network reported on April 30 According to Kyodo News on April 28, the Japanese government held the first meeting of an expert panel on promoting the revision of the "Three Security Documents," including the "National Security Strategy," at the Prime Minister's official residence on the 27th. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated, "We must independently promote a fundamental strengthening of our defense capabilities." In light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Middle East, Takaichi advocated for ensuring sustained combat capabilities and preparing for long-term warfare. Some experts called for strengthening the nuclear deterrent of the Japan-U.S. alliance. Additionally, the goal of increasing defense spending is also one of the main topics, with ensuring stable financial resources becoming a key issue. The expert panel plans to compile recommendations before the end of autumn. The government aims to complete the revisions of the three documents by the end of the year.

Takaichi said at the meeting, "The relatively stable international order after the Cold War has become a thing of the past. Competition among nations at the geopolitical level is intensifying." She also mentioned the need to advance relevant measures in various fields, including maritime security capabilities, cybersecurity, and economic security. This meeting, named "Expert Meeting on Security from the Perspective of Comprehensive National Power," is a reorganization of a meeting established in 2022. In addition to experts in artificial intelligence (AI) and economic security, it includes executives from the economic sector and media organizations, totaling 15 members.

According to the Nikkei on April 28, the Japanese government held the first meeting of the expert panel on revising the "Three Security Documents," including the "National Security Strategy," at the Prime Minister's official residence on the 27th. The meeting will discuss strengthening the capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces and the Japan Coast Guard, advancing economic security measures including cybersecurity strategies, and the allocation of defense spending. The expert panel plans to compile recommendations before the end of autumn. The government aims to complete the revisions of the three documents by the end of this year.

The "Three Security Documents" outline the basic guidelines for defense policy. Previously, the revision cycle was typically set at 5 to 10 years, but starting in 2022, the revision cycle has been shortened to about 4 years.

According to the Russian Satellite News Agency on April 28, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated at a regular press conference on the 28th that Japan has recently engaged in dangerous, reckless, and provocative actions in the military security field, moving from "exclusive defense" to "long-term warfare," exposing its self-proclaimed image as a "peaceful nation."

On April 27, the Japanese government held the first expert meeting to promote the revision of the "Three Security Documents." Regarding Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks at the meeting, Lin Jian pointed out that the Takaichi administration has been vigorously developing the military-industrial sector and is now openly claiming to prepare for "long-term warfare." He stated that historically, Japan has instigated wars and invaded other countries, and now it is again inflating the so-called "tense situation." Is it going to repeat the historical mistakes and rush down the path of "remilitarization," becoming a source of trouble in East Asia once more?

Lin Jian emphasized that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trials, and in such a special year, Japan has not deeply reflected on its crimes of aggression but instead attempts to pursue military expansion again, which the international community will not accept.

According to the China Review News on April 28, regarding Prime Minister Takaichi's statement that "we must prepare for long-term warfare," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian asked at the regular press conference on the 28th, historically, Japan has instigated wars and invaded other countries, and now it is again inflating the so-called "tense situation." Is it going to repeat the historical mistakes and rush down the path of "remilitarization," becoming a source of trouble in East Asia once more?

Lin Jian pointed out that Japanese militarism once aggressively expanded and committed heinous crimes against China and neighboring Asian countries, causing great suffering to the Japanese people as well. It is precisely because of Japan's history of aggression that a series of internationally effective documents, such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and Japan's Instrument of Surrender, clearly stipulate that Japan must be completely disarmed and may not maintain industries that could allow it to rearm. The Japanese Constitution also imposes strict limitations on its military capabilities, the right to engage in war, and the right to wage war.

He stated that moving from "exclusive defense" to "long-term warfare," Japan has recently engaged in dangerous, reckless, and provocative actions in the military security field, exposing its self-proclaimed image as a "peaceful nation." Many insightful individuals have noted that some recent remarks by Japanese officials resemble "war mobilization" and "war cries," akin to those of Japanese militarists in the past.

He emphasized that the lessons of history are not far away and should not be ignored. All peace-loving countries in the world must remain highly vigilant and resolutely curb Japan's reckless actions of "new militarism." (Translation/Chen Rui)