Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense. Photo: Ministry of National Defense

Question: As was reported, some political figures in Japan criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for leading the country to become a "war state". What's your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: A growing number of people with insights in Japan have realized the serious danger and damages caused by the Japanese government's erroneous actions. In recent years, Japan's increasingly arrogant right-wing conservative forces have been pushing for greater military buildup and remilitarization, leading the nation down a perilous path. History has demonstrated that unchecked Japanese militarist ambitions would pose a grave threat to other Asian nations and ultimately bring catastrophic disasters upon the Japanese people. As clearly stipulated in the Potsdam Proclamation, "There must be eliminated for all time the authority and influence of those who have deceived and misled the people of Japan into embarking on world conquest." China stands ready to work with all peace-loving countries to resolutely contain any dangerous attempts to revive militarism, jointly uphold the outcomes of the victory in World War II, and safeguard peace and stability in the region and beyond.