Spokesperson's Remarks｜China rejects Japan's groundless and false accusations on defense spending

China rejected on Tuesday comments made by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on December 16, in which he compared the two countries' military spending, saying the Japanese side, with a track record of serious aggression, is in no position to make such irresponsible remarks.

Speaking at a regular press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stressed that the Japanese side made groundless and false accusations against China's legitimate defense development. This egregious act was rather disgraceful. With regard to peace and security, China has the best track record among major countries. The increase of China's defense expenditure is legitimate and lawful, which is necessary for China's response to security challenges, protection of legitimate national interests, and better fulfillment of its international responsibility and obligation as a major country.

Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson/MFA PRC

Guo noted that due to the horrendous and untold history of aggression, Japan's moves in military and security areas have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. During fiscal year 2025, Japan's defense spending per capita and spending per defense personnel are three times and more than two times that of China respectively. In recent years, Japan has been revamping the security and defense policies and increasing its defense budget for 13 consecutive years with a jump of around 60 percent in recent five years. Japan has also removed the ban on exercising the right to collective self-defense, developed the so-called "capability to strike enemy bases", revised principles on arms exports, strengthened cooperation on extended deterrence, and attempted to revise its three non-nuclear principles. Japan claims to uphold the exclusively defense-oriented principle and the passive defense strategy, but in fact violates its obligations as a defeated country clearly stated in the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation and goes against its commitments made in the Constitution.

"Who is expanding military buildup? Who is trying to interfere in other countries' internal affairs by force and challenging their core interests? Who is threatening regional peace and stability? The facts are crystal clear for all to see." Guo said.

Guo pointed out that Japan's attempts to remilitarize at a faster pace will only once again raise questions about where Japan is headed. All peace-loving countries should be on high alert, firmly thwart any dangerous move that may revive Japanese militarism, and jointly uphold the hard-won outcomes of WWII victory. (By Ma Ziqian/China Youth Daily)