China on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the Japanese government’s plan to revise its “three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology,” warning that the move could signal a significant shift in Japan’s postwar defense policy.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing that Beijing urges Japan to reflect deeply on its history, honor its commitments, and act prudently in military and security matters, cautioning against further steps in what it described as the wrong direction.
She noted that reports indicate Japan intends to revise the implementation guidelines for the policy this month to loosen restrictions on arms exports. Mao said China is “gravely concerned” about the development, adding that international observers and scholars in Japan also view the move as a fundamental change in the country’s postwar arms export stance.
According to Mao Ning, the proposed revision may conflict with international legal instruments such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender. She also argued that the move runs counter to Japan’s constitution and established norms intended to prevent a resurgence of militarism.
Citing a previous government survey, she said a majority of Japanese citizens oppose easing arms export controls. Mao further claimed that right-wing political forces in Japan are pushing for a more assertive defense posture, suggesting that remilitarization is accelerating and posing risks to regional peace and stability.
She added that the international community should remain vigilant and reject what she described as reckless steps toward neo-militarism.