China has called on Japan to exercise extreme caution regarding proposed constitutional amendments and to reflect on its history of military aggression.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed Japan's military policy during a recent press conference. The diplomat's remarks came in response to reports regarding Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's intention to formalize the status of the Self-Defense Forces as a full-fledged military within the constitution to counter what has been termed the "China threat."
Lin Jian emphasized that Japanese militarism caused significant disasters for the region and the world in the past. He urged Tokyo to listen to domestic voices advocating for peace and to gain the trust of its Asian neighbors through concrete actions. The spokesperson further noted that adherence to the obligations outlined in the Cairo and Potsdam Declarations remains a "political and legal prerequisite" for Japan's post-WWII reintegration into the international community.
The debate over Article 9 of Japan's post-war constitution, which renounces war and prohibits the maintenance of "war potential," remains a highly sensitive issue in East Asian diplomacy. While some Japanese officials argue for reform to address modern security challenges, neighboring nations often view such moves through the lens of historical grievances. This diplomatic friction underscores the complex security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, where historical legacies continue to influence contemporary foreign policy and defense strategies.
