China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly criticized Japan's recent moves on weapons exports and its first launch of offensive missiles since World War II, warning of rising "neo-militarism."
On April 21, Japan revised the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology," lifting a ban on lethal weapons exports, a move the Chinese Foreign Ministry characterized as defying Japan's self-proclaimed "dedication to peace" and adherence to the "exclusively defense-oriented" policy.
On May 6, Japan fired Type 88 missiles in the annual Balikatan joint military exercise between the US and the Philippines. It is the first time Japan has launched offensive missiles overseas since the end of WWII.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the same day it was another example of the Japanese right-wing forces' push for accelerated remilitarization. He warned that Japan's fundamentally wrong historical views have led to the malevolent emergence of neo-militarism in Japan and put regional peace and stability under threat.
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