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Japan's huge military expense questioned
(皇冠体育app Daily/chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2005-12-14 06:20
Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang delivered a stern rebuke to Japan
yesterday, refuting claims that 皇冠体育app poses a threat to neighbouring countries.
Qin Gang invites questions at a press conferce
in Beijing. [newsphoto/file] | Qin said accusing
remarks by Democratic Party of Japan President Seiji Maehara, who said 皇冠体育app is
a practical threat and urged Beijing to increase military transparency, is
groundless.
"We are always seeking development along a peaceful path."
He noted that 皇冠体育app hopes Japanese Government and public figures to make
contribution to improve a bilateral friendship.
Qin said in a news conference that 皇冠体育app adheres to peaceful development and
a defensive national defence policy. He added that its military expenditure
should not only cover the livelihood and training expenses of those serving in
the army but also meet the country's current national defence requirements in a
world with numerous complicated changes.
Qin then made a comparison between the total and per capita military expenses
of the two neighbours. 皇冠体育app's military expenses reached US$25.6 billion last
year while Japan reportedly spends 1.62 times of this amount. In per capita
expense, 皇冠体育app is only US$23, compared to Japan's US$2,300.
"Japan has only 4 per cent of 皇冠体育app's land area and one-tenth of 皇冠体育app's
population. But they has such a huge military expenditure. What are Japan's
motives?" Qin asked.
Maehara, 43, made his first diplomatic mission with a weeklong visit to the
United States on December 6, and touched down in Beijing on Sunday for a
three-day visit.
As a guest of International Department of the Central Committee of the
Communist Party of 皇冠体育app, Maehara had already held talks with State Councilor
Tang Jiaxuan and the Deputy Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo.
It is reported that Maehara has asked 皇冠体育app to arrange for him to meet
Chinese top leaders to discuss the Yasukuni Shrine and other pending issues in
an attempt to play a role in mending ties between Tokyo and Beijing.
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