Group 1 - Japan is increasing its defense spending significantly, with a projected total of approximately 11 trillion yen (about 498.2 billion RMB) for the fiscal year 2025, marking a 13-year consecutive increase in defense budget [1] - The new security policy emphasizes the need to fundamentally strengthen defense capabilities and includes the controversial "capability to attack enemy bases," which undermines Japan's principle of "defensive defense" [2] - The Japanese government is investing in various military preparations, including the development of "universal plasma" and the conversion of civilian ports for dual-use purposes [1] Group 2 - China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed strong opposition to Japan's militaristic tendencies, highlighting concerns over Japan's historical revisionism and its increasing military capabilities [3] - The Chinese government has reiterated its stance against Japan's actions that challenge post-war international order and has called for Japan to reflect on its past and fulfill its obligations as a defeated nation [3]

Core Viewpoint - Japan is significantly increasing its military preparedness, reflecting a shift towards a more proactive and practical defense strategy, particularly in response to potential conflicts in the Taiwan Strait [1][4]. Group 1: Military Spending and Policy Changes - Japan's defense budget has been on the rise for 13 consecutive years, with a notable increase from fiscal year 2012 to fiscal year 2025 [3]. - The Japanese cabinet approved a supplementary budget for fiscal year 2025 that includes defense-related expenses of 1.1 trillion yen (approximately 49.8 billion yuan), bringing the total defense spending for that year to about 11 trillion yen (approximately 498.2 billion yuan), which constitutes 2% of GDP [4]. - The new "security three documents" emphasize a fundamental strengthening of defense capabilities and the development of "counter-strike capabilities," which undermines Japan's principle of "defensive defense" [4]. Group 2: International Reactions and Concerns - China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed strong opposition to Japan's militaristic tendencies, viewing them as a revival of militarism [5][6]. - The Chinese government has criticized Japan's recent military policy changes, including the loosening of weapon export restrictions and the pursuit of collective self-defense, as violations of post-war international agreements [6].