Japan's military ambition
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It does not inspire regional peace and stability as the new defense paper will fuel rightist elements in Japanese society, leading to a dangerous tendency that could revive the dying embers of Japanese militarism.
Japan's new military ambition will also not help it realize its long-cherished dream - to assume a greater role in regional affairs. Instead, it will only create more suspicion and distrust in the region.
To find an excuse for its own military buildup, Japan has pointed its finger at China's normal military development, calling it a "matter of concern" for the region and the international community.
However, history has repeatedly proven that China is a peace-loving nation that adheres to peaceful development, pursues a military policy that is defensive in nature, and poses no threat to anyone. The nature and path of China's development have brought the world opportunities and been highly appreciated by the international community, including many in Japan.
Taking bilateral trade as an example, it reached $228.8 billion in 2009, with Japan enjoying a surplus of $33 billion.
China has indeed increased military expenditure to enhance national security. With a territory almost 26 times that of Japan, China's military spending is merely one-seventh of Japan's in per capita terms.
In using the "China threat", Japan has done nothing but a disservice to China-Japan relations, which are at their lowest ebb for years.
Japan's new defense documents are emblem to its paranoia and short-sightedness.
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