Beijing has strongly criticized Japan's recent defense policies, warning that Tokyo's military buildup and discussions surrounding nuclear capabilities are raising concerns about regional peace and historical accountability.
Speaking during a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to a question from Xinhua News Agency regarding the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Japan's evolving security strategy.
On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, an event that contributed to the end of World War II. Reflecting on the anniversary, China said the devastation caused by nuclear weapons should never be repeated, while emphasizing that the historical context surrounding the war must also be remembered.
According to Lin Jian, the lessons of Japanese militarism and wartime aggression should continue to serve as a warning for future generations. He stated that Japan's wartime expansion inflicted enormous suffering on neighboring countries and argued that these historical events should not be forgotten.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also accused right-wing political forces in Japan of attempting to reshape historical narratives. Lin claimed that some groups have portrayed Japan primarily as a victim of nuclear bombings while downplaying the country's wartime actions across Asia. He alleged that this approach seeks to avoid full accountability for Japan's role during World War II.
China further expressed concern over what it described as Japan's accelerating military buildup. Lin Jian pointed to reports of increased defense spending, efforts to strengthen military capabilities, and discussions related to expanding security cooperation with the United States.
Beijing also criticized reported debates within Japan regarding its long-standing three non-nuclear principles, which state that Japan will not possess, produce, or permit the introduction of nuclear weapons into its territory. Lin alleged that some Japanese officials have discussed closer nuclear cooperation with the United States and, in some cases, have publicly raised the possibility of Japan acquiring its own nuclear weapons.
China also criticized Japan's ongoing military expansion in the Pacific during the same press briefing. Responding to a question about Japan's deployment of an anti-ship missile battery on Minamitorishima and the strengthening of military facilities on its Pacific islands, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the move was "yet another proof" of Japan accelerating remilitarization.
Lin argued that Japan is using what he described as "false narratives" about security threats from neighboring countries to justify its military buildup. He said Japan's wartime aggression during World War II caused immense suffering across Asia and accused Tokyo of failing to fully confront its historical actions.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Japan's expanding military capabilities pose a growing threat to regional peace and stability. Lin Jian urged the international community to remain vigilant and called on Japan to stop what Beijing described as the spread of disinformation and smear campaigns regarding regional security. He also urged Tokyo to genuinely reflect on its wartime history, learn from the lessons of World War II, and reverse what China characterized as its current path toward remilitarization.
Japan has maintained that its defense buildup, including strengthening military infrastructure on remote islands, is intended to enhance national security in response to increasing military activities by China and Russia in the region. Tokyo says these measures are defensive and aimed at protecting its territory and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, such discussions contradict the wishes of many Japanese citizens who experienced the consequences of nuclear warfare and have long advocated for peace.
Lin Jian further stated that any move toward nuclear armament or remilitarization would represent a challenge to international peace and security. He argued that pursuing stronger nuclear protection or revisiting Japan's post-war security commitments sends the wrong signal to the international community.
The spokesperson also noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the start of the Tokyo Trials, the post-World War II military tribunal that prosecuted Japanese leaders for war crimes. Lin said history should be treated with respect and urged Japan to carefully reflect on its wartime past.
China called on Japan to address concerns raised by the international community, fulfill its nuclear non-proliferation obligations under international law, and avoid policies that could increase regional tensions.
Japan has consistently maintained that its defense policy is defensive in nature and has said its military modernization is a response to an increasingly challenging security environment, including growing military activities by China, North Korea, and Russia. Tokyo continues to uphold its commitment to peace under its post-war constitution, although debate over national security policy has intensified in recent years.
The exchange highlights the continuing tensions between China and Japan over historical issues, regional security, and military policy. As geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific continues to grow, differing interpretations of history and defense strategy remain significant sources of diplomatic friction between the two Asian powers.
