China warns against Japan's dangerous moves toward remilitarization

China's Ministry of National Defense on Thursday warned against Japan's recent moves in the military and security fields, questioning whether Japan would once again bring disasters to East Asia.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to a media query about Japan's revision of the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and its implementation guidelines, which in principle allows the export of lethal weapons.

The reporter also mentioned that Japan plans to restore military ranks used by the former Imperial Japanese Army, such as Taisa, and has passed a bill to establish a National Intelligence Bureau.

Zhang said Japan has repeatedly made dangerous, adventurist and provocative actions in the military and security fields and the "exclusively defense-oriented" principle.

"Such moves have already turned against its self-proclaimed identity as a peace-loving country," Zhang pointed out.

He noted that Japan's attempt to revive military rank terms used by the former Imperial Japanese Army, along with its plan to establish a national intelligence agency reminiscent of the notorious Tokko, has seriously hurt the feelings of people in Asian countries.

"The Japanese side is making reckless and unchecked strides on the path of remilitarization. Will it again bring disasters to East Asia?" Zhang asked.

He called on all peace-loving people to remain highly vigilant, firmly oppose Japan's retrogressive actions, and never allow it to undermine regional peace and bring calamities to the world.