On December 5, 2025, in St. Petersburg, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged Japan to return to the pacifist principles enshrined in its constitution. Speaking at the international conference "The Great Patriotic War in the Collective Memory of CIS Nations" (held December 4-5), Zakharova criticized what she called "abnormal" remarks and military moves related to the Taiwan region.
"The Japanese government remains obstinate," Zakharova said at a sideline briefing. She pointed to a growing remilitarization agenda that appears to clash with Article 9 of Japan's constitution, under which the country renounced war as an instrument of national policy since 1947.
Reiterating Russia's stance on the Taiwan question, she stated, "We recognize the Taiwan region as an inalienable part of China and oppose any attempt to seek 'Taiwan independence' in any form. The Taiwan question is China's internal affair, and China has every legitimate right to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Zakharova warned that Japan's recent actions could heighten regional tensions and undermine the postwar international order. "Historical truth must be safeguarded," she added, stressing the shared responsibility to resist attempts to distort history and to uphold the gains of defeating Nazism and fascism.
For young global citizens and business enthusiasts alike, this exchange highlights the delicate balance between constitutional pacifism and strategic security in East Asia. With Japan gradually expanding its defence posture, observers will watch closely to see whether Tokyo heeds calls to dial back or continues on a path of remilitarization.
How do you see Japan's constitutional pacifism shaping the future of security in the region? Share your thoughts below.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
