China Condemns Japan's Space Defense Guidelines as Pretext for Military Buildup

China has expressed strong opposition to Japan's efforts to justify its military expansion by exaggerating threats from other nations. This statement came in response to Japan's recent release of its first guidelines focused on enhancing outer space defense. These guidelines allegedly cite "killer satellites" developed by China and Russia as a rationale for Japan's actions.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that China is committed to the peaceful use of outer space and opposes any arms race or weaponization of space. China actively supports negotiations for legal instruments on space arms control and advocates for a shared future for humanity in outer space. The spokesperson emphasized China's firm opposition to Japan using the narrative of threats to create a pretext for its own military buildup.

The Japanese guidelines, according to reports, claim that China and Russia are advancing the development of "killer satellites" designed to neutralize other countries' satellites. These guidelines also mention tests conducted by China and Russia on satellite rendezvous and proximity operations.

A Chinese military affairs expert has dismissed these claims as an attempt to promote Japan's militarization in outer space by misrepresenting China's normal, peaceful space activities. The expert highlighted that activities like in-orbit refueling and repair, which require close proximity operations, are being misinterpreted.

The Japanese guidelines also outline plans for Japan's Self-Defense Force and private companies to enhance satellite defense capabilities, including detecting missile launches, securing satellite communications, and jamming other countries' communications. China views these measures as a threat to the security and stability of outer space, raising concerns about the resurgence of militarism.

China urges Japan to reflect on its past war crimes, learn from history, and cease using scaremongering tactics to conceal its military expansion. China calls on Japan to earn the trust of its neighbors and the international community through concrete actions.