China concerned about Japan's plan to revise "three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology": spokesperson

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday that China is gravely concerned about Japanese government's plan to revise the "three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology".

"We urge the Japanese side to deeply reflect on its history of militarist aggression, honor its commitments and act prudently in military and security areas, and stop going further down the wrong path," spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference.

It is reported that the Japanese government plans to revise the implementation guidelines for the "three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" this month to loosen restrictions on arms export.

"China is gravely concerned," Mao said, adding that international scholars and those with insights in Japan also find the development deeply concerning and believe it marks a fundamental shift in Japan's postwar arms export policy and constitutes a grave violation of instruments with legal effect under international law such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender.

The development goes against Japan's own Constitution and norms, and will sabotage institutional safeguards designed to prevent the revival of Japan's militarism, Mao said.

A survey conducted by the Japanese government previously shows that the majority of Japanese people oppose relaxing arms export controls, Mao added.

"Various signs show that the Japanese right-wing forces are pushing for a more offensive and expansionist defense policy. Japan's remilitarization is gathering pace," Mao said, adding that this is already a reality with an actual roadmap and concrete steps, and it is posing a threat to regional peace and stability.

"The international community must stay on high alert and firmly reject the reckless moves of Japanese neo-militarism," she added.