China blasts Japan's push for restoring wartime military ranks

In response to Japan's latest legislative drive for restoring military ranks used by the Imperial Japanese Army prior to the end of World War II, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian warned on Thursday that Japan's neo-militarism is becoming a serious concern and "has posed a clear threat to world peace and stability".

According to Japanese media reports, Japan has finalized a plan to revise the titles of Japan Self-Defense Forces officers and hopes to submit a draft amendment to the Diet within the year. The new plan will restore the military titles for different ranks.

The reports also noted that senior Japanese government officials described the move as aimed at "creating a work environment that fosters a sense of honor" to attract and retain talent.

In response, Lin said this amounts to a breakthrough at both the institutional and cognitive levels and is tantamount to rubbing salt in the wounds of the people of the victimized nations.

He noted that after World War II, as a defeated nation, Japan disbanded its military, and when the Japan Self-Defense Forces were established in 1954, the titles from the former military were abolished.

"The forces of justice in the international community, including the Chinese people, should remain highly vigilant about this, resolutely defend the outcomes of the victory in World War II, and ensure that the tragedies of history are not repeated," Lin said at a daily news conference in Beijing.