China criticized on Tuesday Japan's latest move to review its three key security documents, warning that Tokyo's recent steps in the military and security fields have exposed the hollowness of its self-portrayal as a "peaceful country".
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks when asked to comment on the Japanese government's first expert meeting on Monday to advance the revision of the three security documents.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told the meeting that Japan should draw lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Middle East, respond to new forms of warfare, prepare for a long-term war, and strengthen maritime security, cybersecurity and economic security.
Speaking at a daily news briefing, Lin said Japan's current administration has recently been vigorously developing the country's military industry, and has now openly spoken of preparing for a long-term war.
Japan once launched wars and invaded other countries. Now it is again playing up so-called tensions, Lin said.
"Is it seeking to repeat the mistakes of history, race down the path of remilitarization and once again become a source of trouble in East Asia?"
He said a series of legally binding international agreements, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, were established to prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism. These documents made clear that Japan should be completely disarmed and should not maintain industries that could enable it to rearm, Lin said.
Japan's Constitution also places strict limits on the country's military capabilities, right of belligerency and right to wage war, he added.
From "exclusively defense-oriented policy" to "long-term war", Japan has recently made frequent dangerous advances and provocative probes in the military and security fields, puncturing its self-proclaimed image as a "peaceful country", Lin said.
Many people with insight have noted that some recent remarks by Japanese political figures sound more like war mobilization and war-mongering, resembling the rhetoric of Japanese militarists in the past, he added.
Lin emphasized that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trial. In such a special year, Japan has not only failed to deeply reflect on its crimes of aggression, but is also attempting to pursue military expansion again, he said.
"The international community will never accept this," Lin said, adding that all peace-loving countries in the world must remain highly vigilant and firmly curb the reckless moves of Japan's neo-militarism.