Opposition to militarism is the unshakable common will of the international community. Any country that cherishes peace and upholds the post-war international order should raise its voice in this regard, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday.

File photo: Chinese foreign ministry

Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on reports citing several sources that, after a joint statement issued by China and Pakistan in late May stating that both countries "oppose any attempt to revive fascism and militarism," the Japanese government claimed it remains committed to its exclusively defense-oriented policy and that its path of development as a peace-loving nation has not changed.

While Japan verbally proclaims "peace" and "defense," its actions are recklessly pushing toward "remilitarization," Lin emphasized.

Japan has continued to significantly expand its military budget, ease restrictions on the export of lethal weapons, advance the deployment of medium- and long-range missiles, bolster offensive military capabilities, stockpile large quantities of sensitive nuclear materials, push for revisions to its pacifist Constitution, and even advocate turning Japan into a nation "capable of waging war," Lin said. "In doing so, it has effectively removed the mask of a so-called 'peace-loving nation' itself."

The international community should be highly vigilant about this and must not allow Japanese militarism to resurface and wreak havoc on the world again, Lin added.

(Compiled by Pei Yi)