Regarding the Japanese government, which is strengthening its military power through active diplomacy, such as holding summit talks with India following Germany and South Korea, Chinese state media criticized it as “seriously damaging mutual trust and peaceful atmosphere in the region.”
In an editorial on the 19th, the Global Times, the English version of China’s Global Times, criticized Japan’s attempt to form international public opinion for easing military restrictions while claiming security in East Asia, calling it a “catalyst” that could spark a new Cold War in the Asia-Pacific.
Japan has expanded its defense budget for 2023 to 6.8 trillion yen (about 66 trillion won). A significant increase of 26% compared to the previous year. This amount includes about 1.55 billion dollars (about 2 trillion won) for the procurement and deployment of US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Japan plans to increase defense-related expenses to 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027.
In response, the media asked, “Is it normal to purchase such expensive and aggressive American missiles in a situation where the economy and standard of living are depressed?” He also added a question, “Is it normal for South Korea to rely on Washington for its geopolitical strategy even though it belongs to Asia?”
The media raised the intensity of criticism that Japan is pursuing a sinister agenda while serving as a “sub-ruler” in East Asia with Washington as its headquarters. “We firmly oppose such Japanese diplomacy,” he said.
At the same time, he warned that if a country like Japan, which is a war criminal state and has a pacifist constitution, tries to develop military power through the US-Japan alliance, it could one day become a “terrifying political monster” rather than a great power.
The media questioned whether it was normal for Japan to promote political and security confrontation with its biggest trading partner, even though Japan has been very keen on pushing for “regularization of state affairs” in recent years. Japan, along with the United States, is wary of setting up a confrontational angle with China, which is conducting diplomacy based on the Asia-Pacific alliance.
At the end of the editorial, the media pointed out that Japan, which chairs the G7 summit, is the only Asian member country, but it does not really represent Asia. He said that it serves as a “bridgehead” for external forces trying to interfere in Asia, and that this proves the abnormality of Japanese diplomacy.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.