China warns Japan against reviving militarism as Tokyo boosts defense spending, eyes missile exports

China on Friday urged Japan to stop undermining the post-war international order and destabilizing the Asia-Pacific, following Tokyo's approval of a supplementary budget that raises its total defense expenditure to 11 trillion yen (around $71 billion) for fiscal year 2025, achieving its target of defense spending reaching 2 percent of GDP ahead of schedule.

It is also reported that Japan is in talks with the Philippines about exporting its Self-Defense Force's Type 03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile.

When asked to comment on these moves by Japan, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said Japan has, in recent years, repeatedly breached its commitments under the pacifist constitution, substantially increased its defense budget, pushed for the export of lethal weapons and sought to revise its Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

As it accelerated the pace of loosening restrictions on military development, Japan's militarism is poised to make a comeback, Jiang warned.

Quoting a Chinese saying, "Individuals can't establish themselves without being trusted, just as a nation can't thrive without being credible," Jiang stressed that Japan must fully meet its obligations as a defeated country in WWII in accordance with international law.

He also urged Japan to stop challenging the post-war international order, stop undermining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific, and stop saying one thing while doing another.

"Should the Japanese side insist on barreling down the wrong path, it shall provoke widespread outrage and ultimately face the judgment of both history and justice," said Jiang.