At a Wednesday press conference, spokesperson Jiang Bin from the Chinese Ministry of National Defense voiced serious concern over Japan’s accelerated military expansion, labeling it excessive for “exclusive defense” needs and warning against repeating the mistakes of history.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense has requested a record-high defense budget of $60.2 billion (8.8 trillion yen) for the 2026 fiscal year. The plan also includes deploying an upgraded version of the GSDF’s Type-12 land-to-ship guided missile in Kyushu, a system with a range that covers significant portions of the Chinese mainland’s coastal areas.
Jiang questioned whether Japan’s military developments have surpassed the scope of “exclusive defense,” pointing out the inclusion of offensive capabilities and asking what intentions lie behind these moves. “Such actions have raised concerns among peace-loving nations worldwide,” he stated.
Recalling that 80 years ago Japanese militarism waged a brutal war of aggression across Asia, Jiang underscored that regional countries are now more determined than ever to safeguard peace. He urged Japan to “deeply reflect on its history of aggression, respectfully address the security concerns of its Asian neighbors and the international community, act prudently in military and security affairs, and avoid repeating the mistakes of history.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
