China Urges Global Rejection of Japan’s Shift in Defense Export Policy

(MENAFN) China on Wednesday called on the global community to oppose what it described as “Japanese neo-militarism” in response to Tokyo’s moves to relax limits on defense equipment exports.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party approved a draft proposal on Wednesday that would remove a restriction limiting the transfer of defense equipment to five non-lethal categories, according to reports. Currently, exports are restricted to items such as rescue and transport equipment, but the draft would allow certain lethal-capable technologies to be exported under specified conditions.

The proposal specifies that recipient nations must hold a defense equipment and technology transfer agreement with Japan, and countries engaged in active conflicts would generally be excluded unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Responding to the proposal, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that Beijing had expressed “serious concern over the move.” She added: “The latest move has once again laid bare the Japanese right-wing forces’ ambitions to breach the postwar international order, break free from domestic laws and remilitarize Japan.”

Mao further urged: “The international community needs to stay on high alert, jointly safeguard the outcomes of the victory in WW II and the post-war international order, and firmly reject reckless moves of Japanese neo-militarism.”

Tensions between China and Japan have intensified since November, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicated that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could legally constitute a “survival-threatening situation,” potentially allowing Japan to exercise collective self-defense rights.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province, despite its self-governance since 1949, and has reiterated that it seeks reunification, including by force if necessary.

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