China raises concerns over Japan's decision to help Ukraine
Photo: Japanese military (Getty Images)
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian commented on Japan's decision to send members of its Self-Defense Forces to a NATO mission coordinating assistance to Ukraine. Beijing expressed concern over Tokyo's expanding military activities, according to Ukrinform.
China has criticized Japan's decision
Chinese authorities voiced concern following reports that Japan will dispatch Self-Defense Forces personnel to participate in a NATO mission responsible for coordinating support for Ukraine.
According to Lin Jian, Beijing views Japan's actions negatively, asserting that Tokyo is consistently scaling up its military operations and driving the remilitarization process.
The Chinese diplomat stressed that the international community should remain highly attentive to such developments.
What is known about the mission
Japanese media previously reported that the government plans to send four officers to a military base in Germany.
There, they are expected to familiarize themselves with NATO-led programs providing assistance to Ukraine.
Why Beijing sees a threat
Lin Jian said that such steps potentially lead to the involvement of Japanese troops in active combat operations.
According to the Chinese side, such a scenario would contradict the pacifist commitments Japan has maintained since World War II.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson also stated that, in Beijing's view, the development of relevant infrastructure under NATO leadership could have a negative impact on regional stability.
He added that such actions are inconsistent with the image of a peaceful nation that Japan seeks to project.
China and Kazakhstan are accelerating the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which bypasses Russia. The implementation of these plans could significantly reshape existing logistics chains between Asia and Europe and result in Moscow losing a substantial share of its transit revenue.
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on America's allies in Asia to significantly increase defense spending, citing growing threats from China.
