Japan ports upgrade reflects ‘militarism resurgence’

After Japan released its plan to upgrade 16 airports and ports for possible defense use, experts pointed out that this is in line with the US’ regional strategy to contain China, and also a manifestation of Japan’s “resurgence of militarism,” which will have a destructive impact on regional peace and order.

Kyodo News on Wednesday reported that Japan is planning to upgrade five airports and 11 ports, with the intention of them being utilized by Japan’s defense forces in case of military emergencies.

Citing a government source, the report said that Japan has lingering concerns over China’s maritime assertiveness and a potential conflict over Taiwan island.

Nearly half of the 16 commercial facilities are located either in Okinawa Prefecture, where US troops are concentrated, or the southwestern main island of Kyushu, which according to Kyodo News reflects “Japan’s efforts to beef up defense around its far-flung southwest islands.”

Experts reached by the Global Times pointed out that Japan’s upgrading plan aims to coordinate with the US’ latest military deployment in the Asia-Pacific region, and also demonstrates the country’s “resurgence of militarism,” indicating its ambition to extend its military reach and influence.

“The latest plan by Japan is undoubtedly in line with the US’ ‘Indo-Pacific Strategy,’ achieving the effect of demonstrating US leadership in the Asia-Pacific region,” Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Friday, adding that the plan itself deliberately creates a tense atmosphere in the region, while also indicating that the US and Japan may continue to create crises in the area.

In addition to serving US strategic interests, Japan is also using this opportunity to realize its own political objectives, which is to expand its military influence, in a clear departure from its postwar pacifist principles, Chen Hong, executive director of Asia Pacific Studies Centre at East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Friday.