In a firm statement on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, China called upon the international community to stand against what it describes as a dangerous shift in Japan's defense posture. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warned that "all peace-loving countries in the world must remain highly vigilant and firmly resist Japan's reckless moves of neo-militarism."
The spokesperson's remarks came in response to recent statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who reportedly emphasized the need for her country to prepare for a "long-term conflict" as part of a panel reviewing Japan's security and defense policies.
Lin Jian expressed deep concern over the Takaichi administration's vigorous expansion of military-industrial capabilities and its open declaration to prepare for prolonged war. He questioned whether Japan, with its history of launching wars of aggression, was once again "attempting to follow the same path by hyping up so-called tensions."
"Is Japan going to repeat historical mistakes and barreling headlong down the path of remilitarization, once again becoming a source of instability in East Asia?" Lin asked during the regular press briefing in Beijing.
The spokesperson highlighted what he views as a significant departure from Japan's long-standing "exclusively defense-oriented policy." He pointed to a series of recent military and security moves as "risky and provocative," arguing they expose an inconsistency with Japan's self-proclaimed identity as a "peaceful nation."
Lin noted that many observers have drawn parallels between recent rhetoric from Japanese politicians and the war mobilization language of past militarists. This year, 2026, marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trial, a fact Lin emphasized.
"Japan has not only failed to do serious soul-searching of its past wars of aggression but also attempted to resume military expansion. The international community will never accept this," he stated categorically.
The statement from Beijing underscores ongoing geopolitical sensitivities in East Asia and reflects China's active diplomatic stance on regional security issues.
Reference(s):
China: All peace-loving countries must resist Japan's neo-militarism
cgtn.com
