China Responds to Japan's Export of Navy Destroyers to the Philippines

In light of Japan's announcement to send six used navy destroyers to the Philippines, purportedly as a measure to counter China's maritime assertiveness, Jiang Bin, a representative from the Chinese Defense Ministry, voiced concerns on Monday. He stated that defense partnerships among countries should not be designed to target or negatively impact the interests of other nations.

The destroyers in question are Abukuma-class vessels that have been operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for over three decades. Jiang reminded that during World War II, Japan engaged in militaristic expansion and enforced colonial rule over neighboring nations, including both China and the Philippines, and took control of islands in the South China Sea, which brought serious historical repercussions.

Moreover, he expressed apprehension about Japan's recent military policy shifts, which seem to violate its traditionally pacifist constitution by exporting arms and striving to forge military alliances that could provoke destabilization in the Asia-Pacific region. This year commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Therefore, Jiang called for Japan to carefully reassess its historical actions and to act more responsibly to promote peace and stability in the region.