China Worried Japan's New Security Proposal Could Spur Remilitarisation

Beijing has expressed concern over a proposal to revise security documents adopted by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Japan, judging that it could accelerate the country’s remilitarisation. “The draft proposal adds to the evidence revealing efforts by certain parties in Japan to promote remilitarisation, break away from post-war norms, and accelerate military build-up,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Japan’s ruling LDP formally adopted a proposal to revise three key national security documents: the National Security Strategy, the National Defence Strategy, and the Defence Build-up Programme. The proposal stresses the need to increase Japan’s defence budget, calling for the country to “clearly demonstrate the national will to defend itself.” The document also references steps taken by South Korea and members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to boost their defence spending. Although no specific target is set, the proposal notes that the administration of US President Donald Trump has pushed allied nations to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), or 5 per cent when including other related expenditures. Lin stated that the developments had triggered concerns from the international community, including China. “The international community, including China, is deeply concerned and vigilant about these developments. Anti-war groups and various circles in Japan have also voiced their concerns,” he said. “Under the pretext of ‘strengthening defence’ and ‘responding passively’, they continue to develop medium- and long-range strike weapons, increase the deployment of military hardware, and steer Japan’s security policy towards a more offensive and expansive direction,” Lin said. He added that these tendencies have the potential to erode the restrictions long established by Japan’s constitution and international law. “The international community needs to remain highly vigilant and prevent them early on,” he stressed. One major focus of the LDP proposal is adjusting to the “new way of war” based on lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine war. The proposal assesses the ability to use drones and artificial intelligence (AI) as an urgent need. The document also highlights asymmetric warfare tactics, including the use of low-cost drones to counter more expensive weapons systems, as well as combined attacks involving drones and missiles. Furthermore, the proposal emphasises the importance of strengthening Japan’s defence industry and the Japan Self-Defence Forces’ ability to sustain long-term operations. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to receive the proposal at the end of June.