China, Japan hold formal security dialogue after 4 years to diffuse tension
China and Japan on Wednesday kicked off their first formal security dialogue in four years in Tokyo in a move aimed at diffusing tension.
Both sides reportedly expressed concern regarding security in Wednesday's meeting with Chinese officials citing Japan’s military buildup and Japanese diplomats highlighting Beijing’s close relations with Moscow and suspected use of surveillance balloons.
Japan’s national security strategy, which was released in December, described China as “the greatest strategic challenge” to its peace and security.
In the same month, Tokyo announced it would double its defense spending over the next five years to 2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) — a total of $320 billion — to deter China from resorting to military action.
The money, according to reports, will be spent on ammunition, Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, and research into hypersonic missiles.
Tokyo also plans to buy longer-range missiles that can strike mainland China. Japan will also stockpile munitions needed to sustain a conflict alongside the large US military base Japan hosts.
During the Wednesday meeting, China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong said Beijing was concerned about the changing security situation in Japan.
“The international security situation has undergone vast changes and we are seeing the return of unilateralism, protectionism, and a Cold War mentality," he was quoted as saying.
He warned against Japan’s “negative moves” with regard to Taiwan “in collusion with powers outside the region.”
In January, the United States shot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon. Last week, Japan announced it would loosen its rules of engagement to allow its jet fighters to shoot down drones that violate its airspace.
The last round of security talks between China and Japan was held in Beijing in February 2019.
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