The Japanese Defense Ministry on July 28 released its 2023 Defense of Japan White Paper, which has caused grave concerns around the world. According to a global opinion poll conducted by CGTN, as many as 90.15 percent of the respondents hold the belief that Japan, as a country with a history of militarist aggression, should be more cautious in its words and actions on military issues.

Increasing defense budget, upgrading weapons and asserting sovereignty in disputed territories are the three main focuses of the 2023 Defense of Japan White Paper. According to the White Paper, Japan plans to invest up to 43.5 trillion yen (about $322.2 billion) in additional military funding over the next five years. In the survey, 75.39 percent of people worry that Japan's plan of increasing the defense budget will exacerbate the arms race in Northeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. 

Meanwhile, Japan expects to develop missiles with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers. According to the poll, 78.36 percent of respondents think this act will threaten the security of neighboring countries. In addition, Japan unilaterally claims its sovereignty over the disputed islets, Dokdo. In the survey, 91.45 percent of the respondents believe that the issue of disputed territory should be resolved through dialogue and consultation.

In recent years, Japan has been seeking military breakthroughs, which have triggered widespread criticism and strong concerns in the international community. About 78.52 percent of the respondents believe that Japan is breaking through the "Exclusively Defense Oriented Policy" claimed by itself, according to the poll. 

The war of aggression waged by Japanese militarists brought untold suffering to the people of victimized countries. Forced recruitment and enslavement of laborers are grave crimes against humanitarian law committed by the Japanese militarism during its aggression and colonial rule against the people of Asian countries, including China and South Korea. In the survey, 87.86 percent of respondents urge Japan to face its history squarely and deeply reflect on it, properly handling historical issues with an honest and responsible attitude.

The poll, published by CGTN in English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian platforms, received responses from nearly 39,921 people in 24 hours.