China tells Japan it has ‘no right’ to criticise defence spending: Video
China has pushed back strongly against criticism from Japan over its military spending, with Beijing saying Tokyo has no standing to question China’s defence policies.
Speaking at a regular press briefing on Tuesday, December 16, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed remarks by Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who said China’s military budget had expanded sevenfold over the past 20 years.
Guo described Japan’s comments as unfounded and hostile, accusing Tokyo of smearing China’s legitimate defence development. He said China’s record on peace and security compares favourably with that of other major powers and argued that Japan’s own history of military aggression undermines its credibility on such matters.
“As a country with a history of aggression, Japan has no right to comment on China’s defence expenditure,” Guo said. He added that the growth of China’s defence budget is lawful and justified, aimed at addressing security challenges, protecting national interests and fulfilling the responsibilities of a major country on the global stage.
The exchange comes amid renewed diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. On Monday, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reiterated Japan’s position on Taiwan during a parliamentary session, referencing the 1972 Joint Statement that established diplomatic relations between the two countries. Motegi said the Taiwan issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue.
China rejected that interpretation, accusing Japan of selectively citing the agreement and of attempting to create obstacles on sensitive issues while misleading the public and avoiding responsibility.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
