China Expresses 'Discontent' Over Japan's Record Defense Budget and Entry Restrictions Policies

Exaggeration of Regional Tensions... Suspicion of Full Defense
On Entry Restrictions... "Quarantine Policy Must Be Scientific"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] The Chinese government criticized Japan for allocating its defense budget next year at an all-time high, saying it is "pretending to create regional tension." Additionally, it expressed strong dissatisfaction with Japan's announcement that it will conduct COVID-19 tests on entrants from China starting from the 30th.

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing on the 27th regarding Japan's defense budget allocation, "The move to exaggerate regional tension in order to achieve new progress in its military power is very dangerous," and added, "It raises serious doubts among Asia's neighboring countries and the international community about whether Japan genuinely intends to adhere to the principle of exclusive defense (專守防衛, meaning defense forces can only be used if attacked) and the path of peaceful development."

Wang further said, "Japan must seriously reflect on its history of aggression and act cautiously in its military and security affairs to avoid losing credibility with Asia's neighboring countries and the international community any further."

When asked about Japan's entry restrictions, Wang stated, "I believe that epidemic prevention policies should be scientific and appropriate and should not affect normal human exchanges."

He emphasized, "Over the past three years since the outbreak of the infectious disease, the Chinese government has consistently adhered to scientific and precise principles and has continuously optimized prevention and control measures according to changes in the epidemic situation."

On the same day, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that China will abolish its zero-COVID policy, including quarantine for entrants, starting from the 8th of next month. In response, Japan will conduct COVID-19 tests on all individuals entering from China starting from the 30th. Therefore, anyone arriving in Japan from China or who has visited China within the past seven days must undergo a COVID-19 test upon entry.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.