Japan's missile exercise proves remilitarization agenda: Beijing

The sending of military forces overseas and the firing of offensive missiles under the pretext of security cooperation by Japan proves that right-wing forces in the country are pushing for accelerated remilitarization, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

Lin Jian made the remarks after Japan fired off Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles for the first time from the Philippines on Wednesday as part of joint military drills that included the United States, Canada and Australia.  

Right-wing forces in Japan have repeatedly breached Japan's exclusively defense-oriented policy as well as both international and domestic laws, Lin said, adding that some of their policies and moves have gone far beyond the scope of self-defense.

The malevolent emergence of neo-militarism in Japan has threatened regional peace and stability, Lin said, urging Tokyo to reflect on its history of militarist aggression, honor its commitments and act prudently in military and security-related matters.