Russia says Japan's 'remilitarization' course will heighten regional tensions

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that Japan's pursuit of "remilitarization" runs counter to the pacifist principles enshrined in its postwar constitution and will only increase regional tensions.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Zakharova said Russia and other countries are concerned about Japan's recent moves toward remilitarization.

"We regularly remind the Japanese side that this course is harmful," she said in response to a related question.

Her remarks came as Japan has continued to strengthen its military deployment in areas including Okinawa while advancing a series of policy initiatives aimed at further enhancing what it calls its defense capabilities.

On June 9, the Policy Affairs Research Council of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party approved a draft proposal to be submitted to the government calling for revisions to the country's three key national security documents later this year. The three security documents are the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Program.

The proposal recommends further increasing defense spending and improving the readiness and operational capabilities of the reserve of Japan's Self-Defense Forces to respond to potential contingencies.

The developments have drawn widespread public attention and concern over Japan's expanding defense posture.