All peace-loving countries and peoples should firmly oppose the revival of Japanese militarism and its re-militarization, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday.
Guo made the remarks in response to a media query on Japan and the Philippines signing an agreement to enhance military logistics cooperation and Japan's claim to provide millions of U.S. dollars in security assistance to the Philippines to strengthen their so-called "quasi-alliance."
"China always believes that cooperation between countries should not target third parties or undermine the interests of third parties, and should not jeopardize regional peace and stability. During World War II, Japanese militarism invaded the Philippines, persecuted the Filipino people through military force and coercion, and brutally killed Chinese diplomatic officials. This history must be remembered. These blood debts must be repaid, and such crimes must be accounted for," said Guo.
"Countries in Southeast Asia and the international community have kept voicing criticisms over Japan's military and security moves. Instead of reflecting on its past and exercising restraint, the Japanese side has resorted to making excuses to expand its armaments and export lethal weapons. This has laid bare the attempt of Japanese right-wing forces to push for re-militarization and follow the old path of military expansion. All peace-loving countries and peoples should firmly oppose the revival of Japanese militarism and its re-militarization, and uphold regional peace and stability," said Guo.
FM spokesman on Japan-Philippine defense pact
FM spokesman on Japan-Philippine defense pact
FM spokesman on Japan-Philippine defense pact
The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison on arrest obstruction charges.
The criminal division of the Seoul Central District Court in charge of Yoon's obstruction of justice case handed down the prison sentence to Yoon for abusing the presidential security service to hinder the anti-corruption agency from executing its arrest warrant in January 2025.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) was once thwarted in its attempt to arrest Yoon as the presidential security service formed human shields and bus blockades to prevent investigators from entering the presidential residence.
The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon.
The court said Yoon privatized the presidential security service for personal safety and private interests by blocking the law enforcement agencies' lawful execution of an arrest warrant and attempting to destroy evidence, pointing out that despite the very bad nature of his crime, he consistently offered unconvincing excuses and showed no remorse.
The court stressed that severe punishment was necessary, considering the need to restore the rule of law damaged by Yoon's crime, but it noted that the fact that he was a first-time offender with no criminal record was considered a favorable factor.
The sentencing, which was broadcast live, was Yoon's first verdict coming from his botched martial law bid.
The first-instance sentencing for Yoon's insurrection charges was scheduled for Feb 19. The special counsel sought a death penalty for Yoon on the charges.
Yoon declared emergency martial law on the night of Dec 3 in 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly.
The constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Yoon in April 2025, officially removing him from office.
The ousted leader was indicted while in detention in January 2025 on charges of leading an insurrection, becoming the first sitting ROK president facing such prosecution.
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
