Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks when asked to comment on recent social media post by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi which claimed the review of the three principles on Japan’s defense equipment transfer is aimed at enhancing deterrence for the sake of “defense” and preventing conflicts before they occur, as well as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s welcome of this Japanese initiative and agreed to strengthen military cooperation with Japan.
Mao said that as explicitly stipulated in international instruments such as the Potsdam Proclamation, Japan is obligated under international law to be “completely disarmed” and not to maintain industries that “would enable her to re-arm for war.”
Japan, however, has been lifting the ban on lethal weapon export, rebuilding the war machine, and rapidly shifting to offense-oriented security and defense policies. Those dangerous moves bear an alarming resemblance to the course of actions taken by militarists in pre-war Japan, Mao noted.
History has taught the world a painful lesson on appeasing and condoning militarism. Once that Pandora’s box is opened, no one will be safe from the danger of raising a monster, Mao added.
