China Worried Japan's New Security Proposal Could Spur Remilitarisation
Beijing (ANTARA) - China has expressed concern over the proposed revisions to security documents adopted by the Liberal Democratic Party (LPG) in Japan, as they are seen as potentially accelerating the country’s remilitarisation.
“The draft proposal adds evidence revealing efforts by several parties in Japan to push for remilitarisation, move away from post-war norms, and accelerate military build-up,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian during a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday (10/6).
Japan’s ruling LDP officially adopted a proposal to revise three key national security documents on Tuesday (9/6): the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Programme.
The proposal emphasises the need to increase Japan’s defence budget, calling for the nation to “clearly demonstrate the national will to defend itself.”
The document also references the actions of South Korea and NATO member states, which have increased their defence spending.
While not setting a specific target, the proposal notes that the administration of US President Donald Trump has encouraged allies to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or 5 per cent if including other related expenditures.
Lin stated that these developments have triggered concerns within the international community, including China.
“The international community, including China, is very concerned and vigilant regarding these developments. Anti-war groups and various sectors in Japan have also expressed their concerns,” he said.
“Under the pretext of ‘strengthening defence’ and ‘passive response’, they continue to develop medium- and long-range offensive weapons, increase the deployment of military hardware, and steer Japan’s security policy towards a more offensive and expansive direction,” Lin added.
He further noted that such a trend has the potential to erode the restrictions currently established by the Japanese constitution and international law.
“The international community needs to remain very vigilant and prevent this at an early stage,” he emphasised.
One of the LDP proposal’s primary focuses is adjusting to “new ways of warfare” based on lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine war.
The proposal assesses the use of drones and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an urgent necessity.
The document also highlights asymmetric warfare tactics, including the use of low-cost drones to counter more expensive weaponry systems, as well as combined attacks involving drones and missiles.
Furthermore, the proposal emphasises the importance of strengthening Japan’s defence industry and the capability of the Japan Self-Defence Forces to maintain operations over the long term.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to receive the proposal by the end of June.