CGTN poll: About 82% people concerned over Japan-U.S. military ties

In a recent joint press statement following the Security Consultative Committee meeting in Tokyo, Japan and the United States announced plans to further bolster their military cooperation by upgrading the command and control of the U.S. forces in Japan. The move has sparked concerns among global citizens.

According to a CGTN survey, 81.69 percent of respondents worldwide view the increasing military collaboration between the U.S. and Japan as a new threat that could disrupt regional peace and stability. They believe this alliance deserves high vigilance from the international community.

After the administration of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida took office, Japan has consistently strengthened its alliance with the U.S., aiming to leverage "military relaxation" by supporting the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. In connivance with the U.S., Japan's defense budget for the fiscal year 2024 has reached a record high of 7.95 trillion yen ($52.1 billion).

The survey revealed further concerns. A significant 90.33 percent of respondents agree that Japan is veering dangerously away from its pacifist constitution. Additionally, 87.46 percent strongly oppose Japan's defense spending expansion, fearing it will divert funds from essential public services and negatively impact citizens' welfare. Moreover, 87.75 percent are deeply worried about Japan's alignment with the U.S. diplomatic and security policies, fearing this could undermine peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and heighten regional tensions.

The joint statement from Japan and the U.S. also exaggerated the "China threat," accusing China of attempting to reshape the international order for its own benefit and expressing strong opposition to China's claims in the South China Sea. However, 87.98 percent of poll respondents disagreed with this stance, believing that Japan, as a non-regional country, complicates the situation and does not contribute to solving regional issues.

The survey also highlighted historical perspectives. An overwhelming 87.93 percent of respondents agree that Japan, as an Asian country, should avoid becoming a pawn of the U.S. to contain and suppress competitors. They call on the Japanese government to demonstrate strategic autonomy, develop a foreign policy that aligns with Japan's national interests, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through practical actions.

The poll, published by CGTN in English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian, received responses from 7,254 people within 24 hours.