At a recent press briefing, Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense of the Chinese mainland, pushed back against Japan's newly released 2025 defense white paper, calling out its depiction of the Chinese mainland as 'an unprecedented biggest strategic threat to Japan.'
The white paper accuses the Chinese mainland of attempting to alter the status quo by force and makes sharp comments on the Taiwan question. In response, Jiang highlighted that Japan's wartime militarism brought suffering to the Chinese mainland and its neighbors, yet Tokyo appears to be ramping up its military.
By lifting weapons export restrictions, boosting defense spending, forming military alliances, and revisiting its 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles,' Japan is, in Jiang's words, moving away from its pacifist constitution and challenging the post-war international order.
The defense spokesperson warned that these moves are drawing concern from Asian countries and the global community, as they have the potential to disrupt peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the spokesperson also recalled the recovery of the island of Taiwan in 1945, noting it was a key outcome of WWII and the post-war order.
Jiang urged Japan to reflect on history, honor the spirit of the four China-Japan political documents on the Taiwan question, and take concrete steps to foster healthy, stable bilateral ties.
As tensions simmer, global citizens and regional players will be watching to see if Tokyo's defense blueprint reshapes the future of Asia-Pacific security.
Reference(s):
Chinese defense ministry denounces Japan's 'China threat' hype
cgtn.com
