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 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
