Photo: Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara
Japan has expressed serious concern over China’s expanding nuclear and military capabilities, citing Beijing’s lack of transparency and growing military activities around Japan.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the government would not speculate on China’s intentions behind its recent missile launch or its prior notification to Japan, News.Az reports.
“I will refrain from making any definitive comments regarding China’s intentions behind the missile launch or its notification to Japan. However, China has continued to increase its defense spending at a high level and, while lacking sufficient transparency, has been rapidly and extensively expanding its nuclear missile capabilities, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). It has also been expanding and intensifying its military activities in areas surrounding Japan,” Kihara said.
He stressed that China’s military buildup has become a growing source of concern for both Japan and the wider international community.
“These military developments by China, coupled with the lack of transparency, are a matter of serious concern for Japan and the international community. The government will continue to make every effort to gather and analyze relevant information while maintaining the highest level of vigilance and surveillance,” Kihara added.