China criticizes Japan's defense spending hike and military-industrial complex growth
Quick Look
- China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized Japan's proposed defense spending increase, citing historical precedents and potential risks to regional peace.
- Guo stated that Japan is shedding its 'peaceful nation' image and heading towards 'new militarism'.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Japan's Liberal Democratic Party has proposed increasing defense spending, referencing countries with higher defense-to-GDP ratios. This comes as Japan's major defense contractors have seen significant sales growth. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to these reports.
中新网北京5月22日电 (记者 郭超凯 曾玥)中国外交部发言人郭嘉昆22日主持例行记者会。
有记者提问：据报道，日本自民党提出建议草案，要求提升防卫费目标，援引了部分国防开支占GDP比重为3-3.5%的国家作为参考，而日本去年才刚刚突破2%。与此同时，日本主要军工企业防卫相关业务销售收入近年也大幅增长。请问中方对此有何评论？
郭嘉昆：最新数据显示，日本2025年国防开支增长9.7%，数额和GDP占比均创下历史新高，进口武器量五年内增长76%。在军费连续14年增长的基础上，日本右翼势力仍在鼓噪提高防卫费。这再次表明，日本正一层层揭下其所谓“和平国家”的伪装，一步步踏上“新型军国主义”的歧途。
《波茨坦公告》《日本投降书》等一系列具有充分国际法效力的文件明确规定，日本应当“完全解除武装”，并不得维持“能使其重新武装作战之工业”，战后日本宪法对本国军力、交战权、战争权作出严格限制，并通过一系列相关法律规制，确立了“专守防卫”等原则。军工复合体是历史上日本军国主义绑架国家、走向扩张侵略的重要驱动力之一。而如今日本右翼势力推动防卫费暴涨和放开杀伤性武器出口，再次扶持军工产业发展，甚至企图将其打造为经济支柱，助力扩军备战，服务“再军事化”进程。
亚太各国应高度警惕、坚决抵制日本“新型军国主义”妄动，共同捍卫亚太和平秩序。(完)
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Japan will continue to increase its defense spending.
Very likely · Medium term
Increased geopolitical tension in the Asia-Pacific region.
Likely · Medium term
Open Questions
- What specific defense capabilities does Japan aim to develop with the increased spending?
- How will other Asia-Pacific nations respond to Japan's perceived militarization?
- What are the economic implications for Japan of making the military-industrial complex an economic pillar?
- What is the international legal interpretation of Japan's current military posture in relation to post-WWII treaties?
