Beijing has issued a stern reaction to Tokyo's decision to deploy its military personnel to a NATO zone of responsibility. Lin Jian, the official spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, directly expressed concern over the expansion of Japan's military activities, labeling these steps as part of a remilitarization process.
Japanese Officers in Germany
The trigger for this diplomatic démarche was a report in Japanese media regarding the government's plans. Tokyo intends to send four Self-Defense Forces officers to a military base in Germany. Their task is to familiarize themselves with the aid programs for Ukraine implemented under the auspices of the North Atlantic Alliance.
Although formally described as a coordination mission, the Chinese side views this as a dangerous precedent. Lin Jian warned that such actions could lead to the actual involvement of Japanese service members in combat operations.
Violation of Pacifist Commitments
Beijing's key argument is built on historical context. The Chinese diplomat emphasized that integration into NATO military structures contradicts the pacifist commitments Japan undertook after the end of World War II. According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such steps undermine the image of a peaceful state that Tokyo declares.
Furthermore, Beijing noted that the formation of military infrastructure under NATO leadership could negatively impact the stability of the entire region. Lin Jian called on the international community to maintain heightened attention to such trends.
Geopolitical Context
These events are unfolding against a backdrop of generally hardening rhetoric in the Asia-Pacific region. Earlier, US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth urged his allies in Asia to significantly increase their defense budgets, citing heightened threats from China. In response, Beijing is actively seeking new logistical routes, for example, by accelerating the development of the Trans-Caspian route together with Kazakhstan to reduce dependence on transit through Russia.