Photo: Chinese Defense Ministry

Question: We've noticed that the Japanese government has been making intensive moves to expand its military buildup. It has sent provocative signals in sensitive areas such as developing long-range missiles and loosening restrictions on weapons export, and has made covert arrangements with the US to further integrate operational command and control. What's your comment on this?

Jiang Bin: Since the new administration took office, Japan has taken intensive moves to expand its military buildup and accelerated the loosening of restrictions on its military development. It has acquired offensive weapons under the pretext of strengthening "counterstrike capability" and openly advocated for nuclear armament. These moves violate Japan's obligations as a defeated country, stipulated in legally binding international documents such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. They pose a serious threat to peace and stability in Asia and the world, and have raised high vigilance among regional countries and the international community.

This year marks the 80th year of the commencement of the Tokyo Trials. The right-wing forces in Japan have made public their ambitions for remilitarization. China will work with all peace-loving nations to resolutely contain the resurgence of the spectre of militarism, and firmly defend the post-war international order, as well as international fairness and justice.