China entitled to demand more transparency in Japan's military

By Luo Yuan (PLA Daily)

14:21, August 08, 2011

Like those that came before, Japan's "2011 Defense White Paper," which was released on Aug. 2, paid particular attention to China and has played up the "China threat," sown dissention in China and its neighboring countries, and deliberately creates tension.

As is well known, China bore the brunt of Japanese aggression during the Second World War. Instead of reflecting on the history of its invasions, Japan has repeatedly criticized China in its reports for being a threat. 

There are three main reasons behind Japan's actions: 

The first goal is to transfer domestic public attention, provoke nationalist sentiment and shift domestic trouble to China. The second is to cover up the fact that Japan violated its Pacifist Constitution when it expanded its military capacities, and to make an excuse for its increasing investment in defense. The third is to meet the demand of some hegemonic powers seeking to contain China and attempt to attract neighboring countries to establish an Asian version of a "mini-NATO." 

As for Japan's "China threat" rhetoric and its demand for China's military transparency, China has done its best to maximize its military transparency. If some Japanese politicians pretend not to understand, China can frankly tell them that China's military development aims to defend its borders and deter enemies. 

First, China must ensure its sovereignty and territorial integrity and safeguard its territories. Second, China must also prevent the resurgence of the countries that were once sources of catastrophic wars and guard against warmongers. This will be beneficial to both Asian people and the Japanese people. China sticks to the diplomatic policy of building friendships and partnerships with neighboring countries, adheres to a defensive policy and will never pose a threat to any country. An old Chinese saying goes, "Harbor no ill intention against others, but never relax vigilance against evil-doers."

While Japan has no justification to criticize the Chinese military for lack of transparency, China and other Asian countries have every reason to urge Japan to enhance its military transparency. There are many doubts regarding Japan's defense policy. Japan said that it would shift the defense focus to southwestern islands as a preparation for possible security threats. Will the security of its southwestern islands be threatened if it does not make waves first? Japan has expressed heavy criticism that Chinese warships have posed a security threat to it by going through the First Island Chain and conducting military drills. Does the international law stipulate that Chinese warships must not sail in international waters? Since when did Japan own the First Island Chain? 

Japan has continued to repeat that it will make efforts to protect its over 1,000-nautical-mile coastline. Why does it deploy soldiers in the territorial waters and exclusive economic zones of other countries? Japan has frequently used its security treaty with the United States to threaten other countries despite knowing that it is just a bilateral security agreement. What reason does it have to apply the bilateral treaty to China's Taiwan and Diaoyu Islands? Japan has demanded China to explain intentions behind regular naval drills in the Western Pacific. Why did it forget to give China an explanation for frequent joint military exercises with the United States at China's doorstep? 

Japan wants China to improve transparency in its aircraft carrier program. There are 20 active aircraft carriers in nine countries in the world, why has Japan never asked these countries to improve transparency? The displacement of Japan's Hyuga and Ise surface warships is close to that of the invincible-class aircraft carriers of the United Kingdom. Why does Japan classify the two warships as helicopter destroyers in a self-deceiving way rather than as de facto helicopter carriers? What are its intentions? Japan should provide the Asian people, especially the Chinese people, with clear answers to the above questions. 

Currently, Japan is still in the shadow of the massive earthquake and its primary task should be the post-disaster reconstruction. Regarding the disaster suffered by the People of Japan, the people of China felt the same way they felt and have given them a hand to help them. Some Japanese politicians should not return kindness with ingratitude, but should do self-examinations and focus on Japan's domestic construction. Besides, you have no right to comment on other counties irresponsibly or criticize other countries' national defense policies unreasonably.

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