Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

In response to the agreement recently signed between Japan and the Philippines to enhance military logistical mutual assistance and Japan's claim that it will provide millions of US dollars in security assistance to Manila with the aim to strengthen so-called "quasi-alliance" relations, and when asked how China will assess its possible impact on regional peace and stability if the agreement comes into force, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday that China always believes that cooperation between countries should not target third parties, undermine the interests of third parties, or jeopardize regional peace and stability.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun noted that during World War II, Japanese militarism invaded the Philippines, persecuted the Filipino people and its allied soldiers through military force and coercion, and brutally killed Chinese diplomatic officials. "This history must be remembered, these blood debts must be repaid, and such crimes must be accounted for," Guo said.

The spokesperson noted that countries in Southeast Asia and the international community have kept voicing criticisms over Japan's military and security moves. Instead of reflecting on its past and exercising restraint, the Japanese side has resorted to making excuses to expand its armaments and export lethal weapons. This has laid bare the attempt of Japanese right-wing forces to push for "re-militarization" and follow the old path of military expansion, Guo said. 

"All peace-loving countries and peoples should firmly oppose the revival of Japanese militarism and its 're-militarization', and uphold regional peace and stability," Guo added.

Global Times