Japan's annual defense white paper describing China as a "threat" escalates regional tensions, and is hypocritical and untenable.
In the opening of the 400-plus page document, Japan describes the security environment surrounding the country as "increasingly severe," highlighting China's supposed military build-up and activities in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
Given the fact that Japan is not a party to the disputes in the South China Sea, this stance on the issue raises suspicions over its own security orientation.
This is especially worrisome because Japan's ruling bloc railroaded a series of controversial security-related bills through the lower house of parliament last week.
Accentuating regional tensions might lend support to the unpopular bills, but many Japanese people are worried that they or their offspring will be dragged into conflict, as happened to their forebears in WWII.
A poll by one of Japan's major newspapers showed about 56 percent of the Japanese population oppose the bills, while only 26 percent support them. Another Japanese newspaper survey revealed more than 90 percent of constitutional jurists believe the bills are "unconstitutional".
By playing up the "China threat," and turning the attention to the South China Sea, the Japanese government provides excuses for a more proactive defense policy.
By poking its nose into the South China Sea, Japan reveals its ambition for greater military influence, fueled by eased rules on arms exports under the banner of "global peace and Japan's security interests."
Japan and the Philippines have agreed to start talks on an accord to transfer defense equipment, with potential export items including P-3C patrol aircraft and radar equipment. Tokyo has already promised 10 patrol boats to the Philippine coast guard.
Heightened regional tension helps Japanese arms manufacturing sell large numbers of weapons to Asian nations, which complicates regional security.
It should not go unnoticed that Japan is strengthening its military, commissioning a large helicopter-capable naval vessel, Izumo, in March. The 248 meter destroyer, similar in size to the Japanese carriers that attacked Pearl Harbor, is named after a warship used in the invasion of China in the early 20th century.
Taken together, Japan is stirring up regional tension, counter to efforts to safeguard regional stability.
Considering the fact that Japan has never truly faced up to its aggression and war crimes in China and other neighbors, is the Japanese government's playing up of the "China threat" a cause for laughter or fear?
