China airs concern over Japan's move to sell jets
China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday expressed grave concern over Japan's latest step away from the pacifist constitution the country adopted at the end of World War II after the Japanese Cabinet approved a plan to sell future next-generation fighter jets to other countries.
It is reported the controversial decision to allow international arms sales is expected to help secure Japan's role in a year-old project to develop a new fighter jet together with Italy and the United Kingdom, but it's also part of a move to build up Japan's arms industry and bolster its role in global affairs.
Speaking at a regular news briefing in Beijing, the ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China has seen related reports, referring to Japan's latest decision and another revision to its arms equipment and technology transfer guidelines.
"Given Japan's not-too-distant history of militarist aggression, Japan's moves in the military and security fields have always been closely followed by its Asian neighbors, including China and the international community," Lin said.
The spokesman noted that in recent years, Japan has been drastically readjusting its security policy, increasing defense spending year after year, relaxing restrictions on arms export and seeking military breakthroughs.
"These moves have triggered strong concerns from neighboring countries and the international community," Lin said.
Because of its wartime past as an aggressor and the devastation that followed its defeat in World War II, Japan adopted a constitution that limits its military to self-defense.
The country long maintained a strict policy to limit transfers of military equipment and technology and ban all exports of lethal weapons.
But in 2014, it began to export some nonlethal military supplies, and last December, it approved a change that would allow sales of 80 lethal weapons and components that it manufactures under licenses from other countries back to the licensers.
"We urge Japan to earnestly respect the security concerns of neighboring countries, deeply reflect on its history of aggression, keep to the path of peaceful development and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the wider international community through concrete actions," Lin said.
Related articles
- Tom Holland enjoyed a post-show cup of tea and proudly waved to fans as he left the Duke of York's T2024-05-21
Ohtani breaks Matsui's home run record, Dodgers rout Mets 10
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani broke Hideki Matsui’s major league record for homers by a Japanese-2024-05-21King Charles drives Queen Camilla to Crathie Kirk near Balmoral amid cancer treatment
King Charles and Queen Camilla looked cheery this morning as they headed to Sunday service at Crathi2024-05-21Conservative Brazilians laud Elon Musk at rally in support of ex
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Conservative Brazilians heaped praise Sunday on Elon Musk at a rally in suppor2024-05-21Burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police from the top of 60ft high roof during nine
A burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police officers from the top of a roof during a nine-hour s2024-05-21Barcelona midfielder De Jong leaves 'clasico' on a stretcher after right leg injury
MADRID (AP) — Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong left the field on a stretcher with a right leg in2024-05-21
atest comment