BEIJING, Dec. 25 -- "Japan openly abandoned its obligations under international law and violated the provisions of its own Constitution and political commitments by substantially increasing its defense budget, and engaging in military expansion and war preparations. Where is Japan's credibility? And what does Japan intend to do?" asked Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference on Thursday.
The spokesperson raised doubts about Japan's purpose of military expansion when commenting on the media reports that the Japanese government is planning to request a record-high defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen for the next fiscal year. The budget will include plans to deploy long-range missiles, reorganize the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), and boost its operational capabilities in space.
The spokesperson pointed out that the Potsdam Proclamation has made it clear that the Japanese militarism and its soil must be mercilessly and permanently eradicated. A new order of peace, security, and justice can only be established by restricting Japan's right to wage war politically and legally, and by eliminating the ideological roots of war in Japan. Japan should be completely disarmed and must not maintain industries that would enable it to re-arm for war. The Japanese Instrument of Surrender pledged to "carry out the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration in good faith." These promises were made in black and white and they still ring loud and clear.
"In fact, after World War II, the Japanese government failed to completely shut out militarism. The right-wing forces have never sincerely reflected on the history of aggression, nor have they ever squarely faced up to the heinous crimes committed against the peoples of Asia and beyond. They are now attempting to revive militarism to sow chaos in the world. How can this not raise grave vigilance and concern among the international community?" the spokesperson continued.
"Failure to eradicate the evil will lead to endless future troubles, and appeasement will inevitably result in a backlash. The international community should join hands to resolutely block the dangerous schemes of Japan's right-wing forces to reverse the course of history, defend the victorious outcomes of World War II and the post-war international order, and safeguard peace and stability in the world and the region," he stressed in the end.