China Voices Serious Concern Over Japan's Lifting of Export Restrictions on Next-Generation Fighter Jet
China's Foreign Ministry has expressed serious concern over Japan's recent decision to lift restrictions on the export of its next-generation fighter jet to third countries. The announcement, made at a press conference on March 26, has sparked controversy and raised concerns among Chinese netizens, who fear that this could lead to a resurgence of Japanese military ambitions. The issue came to light when a reporter asked about a report stating that Japan's cabinet had approved the export of the next-generation fighter jet, which it has co-developed with the United Kingdom and Italy, to third countries. The reporter also mentioned that Japan had revised the operating guidelines of its "Three Principles on Defense Equipment Transfer," effectively breaking a 70-year-old taboo on the export of lethal weapons.
26 March 2024
\- "China has noted the reports and expressed serious concern," said Lin Jianxi, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Lin went on to say that Japan's military and security policies have long been a source of concern for Asian neighbors and the international community, due to Japan's history of military aggression. In recent years, Japan has significantly adjusted its security policies, increasing its defense budget annually and gradually loosening its restrictions on weapons exports. This has fueled strong concerns among neighboring countries and the international community, who fear that Japan is seeking a breakthrough in its military development.
The Chinese People's Video Weibo account posted a video with the caption "The same old trick, it's hot and popular," implying that Japan has been trying to circumvent its post-war principles for a long time. The account also criticized China's diplomatic response, stating that "condemning and criticizing is all we do, and it has no real significance or practical effect."
The concern among Chinese netizens is not unfounded. Japan's decision to lift restrictions on the export of its next-generation fighter jet to third countries is a significant shift in its military and security policies. For many in China, this decision brings back memories of Japan's imperial past and its aggressive military expansion. The Chinese Foreign Ministry's response underscores the concerns of China and other Asian neighbors about Japan's military ambitions. The ministry has urged Japan to respect the security concerns of its neighbors and to reflect on its imperial past. It has called on Japan to adhere to the path of peaceful development and to take concrete actions to win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community. The lifting of restrictions on the export of Japan's next-generation fighter jet to third countries is a contentious issue that has far-reaching implications for regional security and stability. It is a reminder that the shadows of the past continue to loom large, and that the path to peace and stability in East Asia is a long and arduous one. In conclusion, China's Foreign Ministry has expressed serious concern over Japan's decision to lift restrictions on the export of its next-generation fighter jet to third countries.
The decision has raised concerns among Chinese netizens and has been criticized by the Chinese People's Video Weibo account. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has urged Japan to respect the security concerns of its neighbors and to reflect on its imperial past, emphasizing the need for Japan to adhere to the path of peaceful development. The lifting of restrictions on the export of Japan's next-generation fighter jet to third countries is a contentious issue that has far-reaching implications for regional security and stability, and it is a reminder that the shadows of the past continue to loom large.