Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing "aircraft carrier conversion" of Japan's Izumo-class helicopter destroyers, highlighting the modifications to enhance their capabilities to operate F-35B stealth fighters, amidst concerns regarding Japan's military expansion and historical militarism [1][5][7]. Group 1: Modification Progress - Recent satellite images reveal significant progress in the conversion of the Izumo-class destroyer, with the bow structure changing from trapezoidal to rectangular to facilitate F-35B operations [3][5]. - The Japan Self-Defense Forces plan to complete the modifications of the Izumo and Kaga by the fiscal years 2027 and 2028, respectively, to support F-35B operations [3][5]. Group 2: Military Implications - The modifications are seen as a step towards Japan's military normalization, which could escalate regional security tensions and provoke international scrutiny regarding Japan's historical military actions [7][8]. - The upgraded Izumo-class vessels will be able to support U.S. Navy ships, enhancing Japan's role as a key ally under the "First Island Chain" strategy [5][7]. Group 3: International Reactions - Chinese officials have expressed strong opposition to Japan's military enhancements, urging peace-loving nations to be vigilant against the resurgence of Japanese militarism [1][8]. - The article emphasizes the need for international awareness and caution regarding Japan's military developments and their potential impact on regional stability [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The deployment of the US-made F-35B fighter jets to Japan's Self-Defense Forces marks a significant step in enhancing Japan's defense capabilities, particularly around the southwestern islands, and indicates the completion of the aircraft carrier transformation of Japan's Izumo-class destroyers, raising concerns among neighboring countries [1][2]. Group 1: F-35 Deployment and Capabilities - The F-35B jets will serve as carrier-based aircraft for Japan's Izumo-class destroyers, which are being modified to operate as aircraft carriers [1]. - Japan has purchased a total of 147 F-35 aircraft, including 105 F-35A and 42 F-35B models, with the first F-35A arriving in January 2018 [1]. - The F-35 is recognized for its stealth capabilities and high maneuverability, making it a significant asset for Japan's military modernization [1]. Group 2: Historical Context and Military Transformation - Japan's naval strategy has evolved over decades, with the introduction of helicopter carriers like the "Hyuga" and "Izumo" class, which are designed with features that allow for future conversion to aircraft carriers [2][3]. - The "Izumo" class destroyers have a full-load displacement of 26,000 tons and are only slightly smaller than France's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, indicating their substantial capabilities [2]. - The Japanese government has been planning to upgrade the "Izumo" class to operate F-35B jets, with modifications already underway to enhance flight deck capabilities and internal structures [3]. Group 3: Political and Financial Implications - The upgrade plans have sparked domestic controversy, particularly regarding Japan's pacifist constitution, which prohibits offensive aircraft carriers [3]. - The cost of F-35B jets has significantly increased, from 9.6 billion yen (approximately 468 million RMB) in 2012 to an estimated 22 billion yen (approximately 1.072 billion RMB) in 2025, raising concerns about the financial burden on the Japanese government [4]. - Japan's military expansion efforts have raised alarms among neighboring countries, despite official statements emphasizing the defensive nature of the upgrades [4][5].