A Chinese defense spokesman urged vigilance against Japan”s recent military and security policy shifts, calling on what he described as “peace-loving peoples” to oppose what he characterized as retrogressive moves.
Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a news conference in Beijing in response to recent Japanese actions in the defense and security fields.
According to media reports, the Japanese government has officially revised the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and related implementation guidelines, effectively allowing the export of lethal weapons in principle. It has also resumed the use of military ranks previously associated with the Imperial Japanese Army, including “Taisa,” and passed legislation to establish a National Intelligence Bureau.
Zhang said Japan has recently taken what he called “dangerous, adventurist and provocative” actions in the military and security fields and in relation to its “exclusively defense-oriented” policy.
“Such moves have already turned against its self-proclaimed identity as a peace-loving country. Moreover, Japan is trying to resume the military rank system used by the Imperial Japanese Army, and the intelligence apparatus it plans to form is reminiscent of the notorious Tokko,” he said.
He added that these actions “seriously hurt the feelings of the peoples of Asian countries.”
“The Japanese side is making reckless and unchecked strides on the path of remilitarization. Will it again bring disasters to East Asia?” Zhang asked.
He called on “all peace-loving peoples” to remain vigilant, oppose what he described as Japan’s retrogressive moves, and prevent actions that could undermine regional and global peace.