BEIJING, May 6 : China on Wednesday sharply criticised Japan’s for firing Type 88 missiles during a joint maritime exercise exercises, warning that Tokyo’s actions signal a dangerous shift away from its post-war security posture.
At a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called Japan, “the aggressor” and said it “failed to deeply reflect on its historical crimes, it has even sent military forces overseas and fired offensive missiles under the pretext of security cooperation.”
Lin said this move by Japan reflects the Japanese right-wing forces’ push for accelerated “remilitarization” of Japan.
Japan’s firing of offensive missiles during joint drills marked a breach of its “exclusively defence-oriented policy” and raised serious concerns about growing militarisation. He linked the move to what he described as the resurgence of “neo-militarism,” cautioning that such developments could undermine regional peace and stability.
He further urged the Japanese side to “deeply reflect on its history of militarist aggression, and honor its commitments and stay prudent in military and security areas.”
Lin also invoked historical context, stating that Japan has yet to fully reckon with its past aggression in Asia. He urged Tokyo to reflect on its history, adhere to its commitments, and exercise restraint in military and security matters.
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces fired a Type 88 anti ship missile during a joint maritime exercise with US, Australian, and Philippine forces on Wednesday, hitting a decommissioned Philippine Navy ship in waters facing the South China Sea.The drill took place as Manila and Tokyo began talks on a potential defence equipment transfer, made possible by Japan’s decision to scrap restrictions on military exports.
Separately, China criticised the United Kingdom’s latest sanctions targeting entities accused of supplying drone components to Russia, including two based in China. Lin said Beijing opposes unilateral sanctions lacking UN Security Council authorisation and has lodged formal protests with London.
He reiterated that China has maintained strict controls over dual-use exports and that normal economic cooperation between China and Russia should not be disrupted. Beijing, he added, would take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its companies.*UNI)
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