China Hopes The US-Japan Alliance Is Conducive For The Region, Not The Other Way Around

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

JAKARTA - The Chinese government hopes that strengthening the alliance between the United States and Japan can have a conducive impact on the Asia Pacific region, not the other way around.

"The Asia-Pacific region is a brilliant example of peace and development. The growth of bilateral relations and security cooperation between the US and Japan need to be conducive to regional peace and stability, not the other way around," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference in Beijing, Tuesday, October 28.

This was in response to the meeting of US President Donald Trump and the new Japanese Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, in Tokyo on Tuesday (28/10) where the two agreed to continue developing bilateral relations.

Guo Jiakun said Japan has a history of military aggression over the past century so that Japanese military and security measures have been closely monitored by neighboring countries in Asia and the international community.

"China urges Japan to respect the security concerns of its neighboring countries, reflect deeply on the history of its aggression, remain on a peaceful path of development, and gain the trust of neighboring Asian countries and the wider international community through concrete action," added Guo Jiakun.

There have been a number of results from Trump and Takaichi's meeting. In Trump's security sector, the alliance between the US and Japan is one of the most extraordinary relationships in the world.

"I just want to let you know, whenever you have questions, doubts, wishes, or any request for help, if there is anything I can do to help Japan, we will always be there," Trump added.

He conveyed this when visiting the US aircraft carrier USS George Washington at the naval base, Yokosuka, southern Tokyo.

Meanwhile Takaichi said he would build a "new golden era" in the Japan-US alliance with Trump.

"Right now we are facing an incredibly tough security environment. Peace cannot be maintained with words only. Peace can only be maintained if there is determination and firm action," Takaichi said, adding he would "strengthen Japan's defense capabilities fundamentally."

"Japan is ready to contribute even more proactively to regional peace and stability," Takaichi continued.

Japan is expected to increase its defense budget to 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in March 2026 or two years ahead of the previously set target, namely fiscal year 2027.

Japan has significantly increased its defense budget since the end of 2022 the Japanese government revised its long-term National Security Strategy which Takaichi also said would update next year.