Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

Commenting on the report that Japanese Cabinet recently approved a new "Cybersecurity Strategy," authorizing the police and self-defense forces to take proactive countermeasures in the event of cyberattacks, and Japan also passed the so-called active cyber defense in May this year, which allows the Japanese government to preemptively intrude into or destroy the networks and equipment of so-called attackers, Lin Jian, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Friday that Japanese Cabinet's move to explicitly authorize "proactive cyber counterattacks" marks a major policy shift from cyber defense to cyber offense, and represents yet another example of Japan — as a defeated country in World War II — attempting to break away from the post-war international order. 

China expresses serious concern over this development, said Lin, adding that China firmly opposes Japan's dangerous moves in the cyber domain and urges Japan to faithfully abide by its peace Constitution and observe existing international rules and order through concrete actions. Should Japan take any improper actions that undermine China's sovereignty, security or development interests, it will inevitably face a firm and resolute response from the Chinese side, Lin said.

Global Times