China Criticizes Japan's Participation in AUKUS... "Reflect on Its History of Invasion"

China Criticizes Japan's Potential Participation in AUKUS

[Image source=Yonhap News]

China has been showing sensitive reactions day after day regarding the possibility of Japan joining AUKUS (the security alliance between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia).

On the 9th, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing, "Due to Japan's modern militaristic invasion history, Japan's military security trends have continuously drawn attention from neighboring Asian countries and the international community," adding, "Japan must genuinely reflect on its history of aggression, abandon actions that create military security 'small circles' (小圈子), and truly follow the path of peaceful development."

Earlier, on the 8th (local time), the defense ministers of the three AUKUS countries announced in a joint statement that "recognizing Japan's strengths and the close bilateral defense cooperation between Japan and the three countries, we are considering cooperation between Japan and AUKUS."

At a briefing on the 8th, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "serious concerns" over reports that consultations between AUKUS and Japan had begun, stating, "Japan must especially deeply learn the lessons of history and be cautious in its words and actions in the military security domain."

During the briefing, it was also mentioned that a unit of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force posted the term 'Greater East Asia War,' which glorifies the Pacific War, on its official social media account.

Mao Ning pointed out, "Japanese militarism once waged aggressive wars, committing serious crimes against humanity and bringing profound disasters to the region and the world," adding, "Such erroneous remarks not only raised vigilance among the Japanese people but also deeply hurt the feelings of the peoples of Asian victim countries, including China."