China voiced warning to the newly signed Reciprocal Access Agreement between Japan and the Philippines, urging Japan to reflect on its aggression and colonial rule during World War 2.
Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese government, expressed concerns over the implications of this agreement during a press conference.
The pact, which allows both nations to deploy forces on each other’s soil, sparked a warning in Beijing.
“The exchange and cooperation between countries should not undermine mutual understanding and trust between other countries in the region,” Lin emphasized.
“It should not threaten regional peace and stability, target any third party, or harm the interests of any third party,” he added.
Lin reiterated that the Asia-Pacific region does not need military blocs or groupings that could incite bloc confrontation or lead to a new Cold War.
“Any move that undermines regional peace and stability, and harms regional solidarity and cooperation will be met with vigilance and opposition from people in regional countries,” he warned.
He also highlighted Japan’s historical responsibilities, referencing its aggression and colonial rule over the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries during WWII.
“Japan needs to reflect on that part of history and act prudently in fields related to military and security,” said Lin.
The Reciprocal Access Agreement marks a significant step in defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, focusing on enhancing security, maritime law enforcement, and military capabilities.
In response to concerns about the pact’s implications for regional stability, ministers from Japan and the Philippines emphasized that the RAA is ‘not directed at any specific country.’
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the established status quo peacefully and opposed any unilateral attempts to change it through force or coercion, specifically addressing concerns related to China.
