A Chinese military spokesman said on Friday that unchecked Japanese militarist ambitions would pose a grave threat to other Asian nations and ultimately bring "catastrophic disasters" upon the Japanese people.
Speaking at a regular press conference in Beijing when asked to comment on some Japanese political figures' criticism of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, warned of grave consequences arising from attempts of Japan's right-wing conservative forces to push for militarism.
"A growing number of people with insights in Japan have realized the serious danger and damages caused by the Japanese government's erroneous actions. In recent years, Japan's increasingly arrogant right-wing conservative forces have been pushing for greater military buildup and remilitarization, leading the nation down a perilous path. History has demonstrated that unchecked Japanese militarist ambitions would pose a grave threat to other Asian nations and ultimately bring catastrophic disasters upon the Japanese people. As clearly stipulated in the Potsdam Proclamation, 'There must be eliminated for all time the authority and influence of those who have deceived and misled the people of Japan into embarking on world conquest.' China stands ready to work with all peace-loving countries to resolutely contain any dangerous attempts to revive militarism, jointly uphold the outcomes of the victory in World War II, and safeguard peace and stability in the region and beyond," Zhang said.
China warns of "catastrophic disasters" from unchecked Japanese militarist ambitions: spokesman
China warns of "catastrophic disasters" from unchecked Japanese militarist ambitions: spokesman
The usually bustling streets in the travel hub of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain quiet while the city's airport -- normally one of the busiest in the world -- is practically deserted following Iranian missile attacks that have affected civilian areas over the past few days.
Joint military strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on Saturday have triggered a sharp escalation across the Middle East, setting off waves of missile exchanges, mounting casualties, and far-reaching political and security repercussions.
Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes on various targets, with explosions reported in numerous countries including the UAE.
In recent days, the sounds of blasts have echoed in Dubai, leading to a noticeable decrease in the number of people and vehicles on the streets, while UAE authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant.
The closure of airspace across the Gulf region has also caused widespread disruption and left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded.
Dubai International Airport now appears virtually empty, with no information displayed on the arrival boards.
Only one screen is operational for departures, and while the majority of flights have been canceled, the UAE has now started permitting a limited number to take off via what it is calling "safe air corridors" in careful coordination with other Gulf countries.
Some travelers gathered in the airport's waiting area on Tuesday, hoping to secure a spot on one of the handful of flights out of the country.
"I'm going back to India. I'm really excited. I came as a tourist. I arrived a week ago. I should have left on Sunday. But I'm leaving on Tuesday, today, two days later," said one Indian traveler.
However, many more remain stuck and can only wait patiently for more updates from airlines.
"I bought one (ticket) a month ago. But the plane that should fly now is canceled. I cannot fly away," said a stricken visitor from Germany.
Despite the circumstances, others say they will stay put and see how the situation unfolds.
"Yeah, I will stay in Dubai," said a worker from Uganda.
The number of visitors in the typically lively Dubai Mall is also noticeably down, while the landmark Apple Store is also presently closed.
The UAE's Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday that its air defense systems have intercepted close to 900 Iranian drones since the crisis erupted.
The ministry also confirmed that the attacks on the UAE have resulted in three fatalities as well as 78 minor injuries.
Dubai streets remain quiet as travel disruption continues after Iranian attacks
