Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Ministry of Defence of the People's Republic of China, addressed a press conference on current military issues on 16 January. He was reacting, among other things, to reports that some Japanese politicians have criticised Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for her moves towards a „warfare state“ model.
Zhang Xiaogang said that more and more Japanese are becoming aware of the risks and harms associated with the gradual change in the country's security policy. In recent years, he said, right-wing conservative forces have gained significant strength, increasing military spending, expanding military capacity and accelerating the process of remilitarisation. This, according to the Chinese ministry, puts Japan on a dangerous path.
According to Zhang, historical experience clearly shows that if Japan's militaristic ambitions get out of control, they pose a serious threat to the Asian region and could have devastating consequences for the Japanese people themselves. China has therefore declared that, together with all peace-loving states, it will resolutely oppose any attempts to revive militarism, safeguard the gains of victory in the Second World War and strive to preserve regional and global stability.
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