THE spokesperson for the China Defense Minister has issued a warning to Japan, urging it not to escalate tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense of China, defense cooperation between countries should not harm the interests of a nation, putting the entire region’s peace and security at risk.
He stated that over the years, Japan has repeatedly violated its pacifist constitution and defense-oriented policy. Japan has been exporting weapons, engaging in military expansion, and attempting to influence allies to destabilize the situation in the South China Sea.
“In recent years, Japan has breached its pacifist constitution and its exclusively defense-oriented policy, and has constantly exported weapons and equipment, heading further down the road of military expansion. It also tried to woo partners to destabilize the situation in the South China Sea. Japan is attempting to subvert the post-WWII international order and has increasingly become a destabilizing factor in the Asia-Pacific region. Countries in the region and the international community need to stay on high alert for it. We urge the Japanese side to speak and act cautiously on military and security matters, and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability,” according to Zhang Xiaogang.
The Chinese spokesman added that Japan has attempted to disrupt the post-World War 2 international order and has become a destabilizing factor in the Asia-Pacific region.
Therefore, Zhang said, countries in the region and the international community need to remain vigilant.
Due to this, China is urging Japan to speak and act cautiously on military and security matters and to contribute more to regional peace and stability.
Zhang also commented on the recent exercises led by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army or PLA Navy Shandong Aircraft Carrier in the Pacific, conducted in accordance with international laws and practices.
“The Shandong aircraft carrier formation of the PLA Navy conducted training in relevant sea areas recently. The training was arranged to build up integrated combat capabilities of the aircraft carrier formation and improve the technical and tactical levels of officers and soldiers so that it can better safeguard China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests. I would like to point out that the training was carried out as per the PLA Navy’s annual training plans, and is in line with international laws and practice. The Chinese military will organize similar exercises on a regular basis,” Xiaogang added.
