China is sounding the alarm this week over what it sees as a significant shift in Japan's military and security posture. At a regular briefing on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian voiced deep concern about recent remarks and policy moves out of Tokyo.
Lin's warning centered on statements by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in parliament, where she described Japan's Three Non-Nuclear Principles—no possession, production or introduction of nuclear weapons—in vague terms. Takaichi's ambiguity, paired with senior officials suggesting the option of nuclear-powered submarines, "fully exposes Japan's significant and negative policy shift and sends a dangerous signal to the international community," Lin said.
The spokesperson also pointed to Japan's defense budget increases, relaxed arms export rules and efforts to develop offensive capabilities as evidence of a "wrong path of military expansion." Citing history, Lin recalled that during World War II, Japanese militarism "launched wars of aggression, committed grave crimes against humanity, and brought profound sufferings to the region and the world."
Lin further highlighted "brazenly provocative" comments by Takaichi on the Taiwan question, which implied potential armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. These moves, he argued, "have inevitably raised strong doubts and concerns from Japan's Asian neighbors and the international community."
Looking ahead, Lin urged the Japanese side to reflect on its history of aggression, recommit to peaceful development and reinforce its exclusively defense-oriented policy with concrete actions. "Winning trust requires deeds, not words," he concluded.
As regional tensions simmer, observers are watching whether Tokyo will reaffirm its commitment to defense-only principles or continue on an assertive trajectory. The answers could shape security dynamics across East Asia in 2026 and beyond.
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China concerned over Japan's military, security moves: spokesperson
cgtn.com
