{"id":17607,"date":"2026-05-26T20:18:07","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T14:33:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=17607"},"modified":"2026-05-26T20:18:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T14:33:07","slug":"japan-drifting-towards-a-new-militarism-the-growing-contradiction-between-words-and-deeds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=17607","title":{"rendered":"Japan Drifting Towards a ‘New Militarism’: The Growing Contradiction Between Words and Deeds<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

# Prem Sagar Poudel<\/strong><\/p>\n

The dramatic shift in Japan’s military activities has raised serious questions over the security balance in the Asia-Pacific region. Although Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary recently claimed that Japan’s “exclusively defence-oriented” policy remains unchanged and that China’s assertion of a “new form of militarism” in Japan is baseless, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning firmly rebutted this during a regular press conference on May 26. “Words speak louder than actions,” she remarked. This brief sentence has exposed the deep contradiction embedded in Japan’s current military policy.<\/p>\n

While the Japanese government continues to repeat the slogan of an “exclusively defence-oriented” policy, the ground reality tells an entirely different story. In recent years, Tokyo has carried out an unprecedented increase in military spending. Restrictions on the export of lethal weapons have been relaxed. Japan has been actively participating in various multinational military exercises and has been promoting the deployment of long-range missiles. The most alarming aspect is that Tokyo is building a so-called “counterstrike capability” capable of conducting active offensive operations. This is a direction that stands in complete opposition to a ‘defence-oriented’ policy.<\/p>\n

Moreover, Japan has been stockpiling large quantities of sensitive nuclear materials. It has been continuously pushing for the revision of the post-war pacifist constitution and presenting itself as a “war-ready” nation. Spokesperson Mao pointedly asked, “Is this what adhering to an unchanged exclusively defence-oriented policy means? Such inconsistency between words and deeds cannot dispel the international community’s concerns over Japan’s remilitarisation.”<\/p>\n

No one can forget the history of how Japanese militarism inflicted profound calamity upon Asia and the world. The Japanese people themselves also suffered the devastating consequences of the Second World War. It was against this very historical backdrop that Japan adopted a pacifist constitution after the war and made the ‘exclusively defence-oriented’ policy the foundation of its military doctrine. However, the current Japanese government has been breaking these commitments one after another.<\/p>\n

Japan’s current trend of continuously violating the norms of international and domestic law could bring serious instability to the regional balance of power. While Japan seeks to present itself as a “normal nation,” its military activities have already gone far beyond “normal.” This situation has naturally heightened the concerns of its Asian neighbours\u2014those who directly endured the suffering inflicted by Japanese militarism.<\/p>\n

China’s warning that Japan is drifting towards a ‘new form of militarism’ is by no means merely a diplomatic accusation. It represents a deep concern for the long-term peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. As Spokesperson Mao stated, “Japanese militarism brought deep disasters to the world and calamity upon the Japanese people. Returning to a new form of militarism is not a good option.”<\/p>\n

This warning sends a clear message to Japan: the path of military expansion would be an irreversible mistake. Instead of seeking to establish regional dominance by building up its military power, Japan should focus its attention on improving relations with its neighbours through economic and diplomatic means.<\/p>\n

Japan’s growing militarisation is not merely a regional issue; it has become a matter of global concern. The international community must closely monitor Japan’s military activities. In particular, the United States of America\u2014which is Japan’s principal security ally\u2014must play a constructive role in steering Tokyo towards the path of peaceful coexistence rather than military expansion.<\/p>\n

Japan itself must also understand its historical responsibility. The international trust that Japan earned by choosing a pacifist path after the Second World War is now at risk. To restore this trust, Japan must take concrete steps: defending the pacifist constitution, controlling military expenditure, and establishing transparent dialogue with its neighbours.<\/p>\n

China’s appeal to Japan is clear: “Learn from historical lessons, uphold its peace commitments, and take concrete steps to win the trust of its Asian neighbours and the international community.” This appeal sends an important message not only to Japan but to the entire Asia-Pacific region. The path of military expansion cannot deliver lasting peace; only mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation can build a shared future.<\/p>\n

Whether Japan decides to uphold its peace commitments or chooses the perilous path of a ‘new militarism’ will determine the Asian security landscape for decades to come. Both the weight and the consequences of this decision are grave.<\/p>\n

(Author: Prem Sagar Poudel is a senior journalist and international relations analyst from Nepal. He has studied Nepal-China relations, the geopolitics of the Himalayan region, and Asian security issues in depth.)<\/em><\/p>\n

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