Recently, Yuriy Pikalov, a professor at Russia's Pacific National University, told CGTN Russian that Japan has long pursued military expansion, seeking constitutional changes to boost its armed forces. He criticizes Japan for hyping the Taiwan question as a political tactic to portray the Chinese mainland as an "enemy" – misdirecting public opinion, justifying higher defense budgets, and fueling a growing military presence.🧐
Pikalov also argues that Japan seems to have lost sight of its history, ignoring wartime wrongdoings and the lessons from World War II. He warns that many young Japanese are learning a distorted version of historical truth, which could hinder efforts to build a peaceful future.
Beyond politics, Pikalov highlights Japan's strong economic ties with the Chinese mainland. He cautions that aggressive rhetoric on the Taiwan region and radical military plans could backfire, harming Japan's own interests and pushing the Asia-Pacific region toward greater instability.⚠️
As debates over constitutional reform and defense spending continue in Tokyo, Pikalov's comments remind us that regional security, historical awareness, and economic interdependence are deeply intertwined. For young professionals, travelers, and curious minds across Asia and beyond, these developments in Japan offer key insights into the shifting landscape of regional power dynamics.
Reference(s):
Russian expert on Japan's military build-up by hyping Taiwan question
cgtn.com
