China's MFA says return to militarism is a dead end

On 13 May, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun held a regular press conference to address, among other things, questions on security policy in the Asia-Pacific region.

Guo said some right-wing forces in Japan are pushing for the expansion of military capabilities, which he said violates the country's pacifist constitution, international law and its own domestic rules. These activities, he said, are part of an effort to turn Japan into a „warfare state“. At the same time, he warned that such moves could reignite tensions and conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to the spokesman, right-wing circles in Japan are arguing „self-defence“ while the Chinese side says they are exaggerating external threats. However, in doing so, he said, they are endangering the living standards of their own people while undermining stability and peace in the entire region.

Guo also mentioned that the recent widespread anti-war protests in Japan show growing public concern about the possible return of militaristic tendencies. He added that according to this logic, „a return to the path of militarism is a one-way street.“.

He concluded by appealing to peaceful states and the Japanese public to stand together against these tendencies and to prevent, in his words, „a new form of militarism“ in Japan.

CMG