The Chinese government stated that Japan has no legitimacy to question China's defense spending, recalling the Asian country's history of military aggression and warning about the accelerated rearmament process promoted by Tokyo in recent years. This was expressed by the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guo Jiakun, during a press conference in Beijing, in response to statements by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi about China's military budget. Guo maintained that Japanese criticisms constitute 'unfounded and false accusations' against the legitimate development of Chinese defense and described these statements as 'shameful and irresponsible.' In this sense, he emphasized that China maintains one of the most solid records in terms of peace and security among the great powers, and that the increase in its defense spending is legal, transparent, and necessary to protect national interests and fulfill international responsibilities. The spokesperson recalled that Japan has a past marked by military aggression, so — he said — it is not in a position to issue judgments on the defense policy of other countries. He also warned that Japan increased its defense budget for 13 consecutive years, with an increase of nearly 60% in the last five years. In this context, China questioned Japan's relaxation of the right to collective self-defense, the development of the so-called 'capability to attack enemy bases,' the revision of principles on arms exports, and the debates surrounding its anti-nuclear commitments. For Beijing, these measures contradict both the Japanese Constitution and the commitments made after World War II, including those established in the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. 'Who is expanding military power and putting regional stability at risk? The facts are clear,' Guo stated, who warned that attempts at Japan's accelerated remilitarization generate concern about the country's direction. Finally, the spokesperson urged peace-loving countries to remain vigilant against any action that could revive Japanese militarism and to defend the results of the victory in World War II.
