China urges Japan to implement peaceful statements into policy

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"Japan should consistently maintain its national development strategy of 'peaceful development' and defense-oriented national defense policy," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said at the regular Press conference on Tuesday.

It is reported that the Japanese Defense Ministry is mulling a plan to buy F-35B stealth fighter jets for use on its helicopter carrier ships.

The introduction of F-35Bs, which have short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) capability, will be useful in countering China’s growing maritime assertiveness, according to the Japan Times.

"I understand that the military top brass has recently discussed whether they can introduce a small number of F-35B fighters and operate them aboard the new ship that has already been deployed and one to be additionally built," a military source told Yonhap News Agency.

Hua said that Japan's Asian neighbors and the international community at large have been closely following the country's military moves "due to historical reasons".

"I noted that there are reports that the measures intended to be taken by the Japanese side may be in violation of the Article 9 of Japan's Constitution." Hua added.

"Article 9 of Japan's Constitution is an important legal guarantee and symbol for the peaceful development of Japan after the war. It is also the solemn promise made by Japan to the international community," Hua stressed.

China urges Japan to act cautiously in the field of military security, and do more to enhance mutual trust and regional peace and stability.

"In recent years, we have heard from many Japanese officials that Japan is a force of peace. It is hoped that the Japanese side will implement the relevant statements truly in the policy and action," Hua added.

(Top image: Soldiers walk beside missile launchers on the grounds of the defence ministry in Tokyo in 2016. /AFP Photo )

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