China has raised serious concerns over Japan’s recent deployment of long-range missiles, calling the move a dangerous shift away from Tokyo’s postwar pacifist commitments. The criticism follows an announcement by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Tuesday detailing the missiles’ ‘counter-strike’ capabilities, which could enable preemptive attacks under certain conditions.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Wednesday that Japan’s decision to adopt offensive weapons under the pretext of ‘self-defense’ violates international agreements such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. She emphasized that the deployment contradicts Japan’s constitution and undermines regional security frameworks established since World War II.
Mao highlighted concerns over rising right-wing influence in Japan, warning that the policy shift reflects a trend toward militarization. “Any miscalculation could lead to prohibited preemptive strikes,” she said, urging the international community to monitor developments closely.
The spokesperson also referenced a recent incident involving a Japanese Self-Defense Forces officer who allegedly trespassed into the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo with a knife. Mao criticized Japan for lax oversight of its military personnel while prioritizing external threats and military expansion.
China has called on Japan to reflect on its wartime history, adhere to its postwar commitments, and avoid actions that could destabilize the Asia-Pacific region. The remarks come amid heightened tensions as regional governments assess the strategic implications of Japan’s evolving defense posture.
