BEIJING, April 30 -- “The Japanese side is making reckless and unchecked strides on the path of remilitarization. Will Japan once again bring disasters to East Asia?” asked a Chinese defense spokesperson on April 30, 2026.

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), made the above remarks on Thursday at a regular press briefing.

According to media reports, the Japanese government has officially revised the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and its implementation guidelines, which in principle green-lighted Japan's export of lethal weapons. In addition, it has resumed military ranks used by the Imperial Japanese Army such as Taisa, and passed a bill to set up a National Intelligence Bureau.

“Recently, Japan has repeatedly made dangerous, adventurist and provocative actions in the military and security fields and the 'exclusively defense-oriented' principle. Such moves have already turned against its self-proclaimed identity as a peace-loving country,” said the spokesperson.

He stressed that Japan is trying to resume the military rank system used by the Imperial Japanese Army, and the intelligence apparatus it plans to form is the reminiscent of the notorious Tokko. These actions seriously hurt the feelings of the people in Asian countries.

“All peace-loving people should stay on high alert, resolutely stop Japan's retrogressive moves, and never allow it to undermine peace and bring calamities to the world,” added the spokesperson.