China says Japan exaggerates 'external threats' for ulterior motives

As a nation that once inflicted profound suffering upon the people of Asia and the world, and that has yet to genuinely reflect on its historical crimes of aggression, Japan is now exaggerating the so-called external threats, which is a completely unfounded narrative driven by ulterior motives, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Jiang Bin made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks that with rising military capabilities of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, as well as their closer cooperation with Russia, Japan faces its most severe and complex security environment since World War II.

"We are all aware of the undeniable fact that Japan invaded all of its neighboring countries," Jiang noted, adding that it's more than obvious that the true intention of the Japanese administration is to divert public attention from domestic problems, mislead the international community, and pursue "remilitarization."

The Japanese side has pushed forward the revision of the three national security documents, vigorously developed offensive military capabilities, and even clamored for the possession of nuclear weapons, he said, stressing that such dangerous moves are very alarming.

China upholds the principle of looking towards the future while learning from history, he said, noting that the crux of the issue is to heed historical warnings so that past tragedies never be repeated.

Jiang said peace-loving people around the world should unite to resolutely curb the resurgence and spread of "neo-militarism" in Japan, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability as well as the safety and well-being of the people.