Defense Minister Kono visits China for the first time in 10 years Requests to increase the transparency of military power December 17 18:34
Defense Minister Kono revealed at the press conference that Japan's defense minister will visit China for the first time in 10 years and will hold a Japan-China defense ministerial meeting from 18th. Emphasized the idea of working to increase transparency.
In a press conference, Defense Minister Kono revealed that Japan's defense minister visited China for the first time in 10 years and had a meeting with Defense Minister Kazuwa in Beijing.
Kono said, “China has rapidly increased its military spending, and over the last decade, the published parts have only increased by a factor of 2.5. In addition, equipment such as 4th and 5th generation fighters There is a lot of lack of transparency. ”
On that basis, Kono said, “Concerns have increased compared to 10 years ago, such as the territorial waters invasion of the Senkaku Islands and the unilateral claims over the East China Sea and the South China Sea. I want to work hard in the sense of increasing transparency, "he said.
On the other hand, Minister Kono asked a reporter's perception of China, “While economic relations between Japan and China are deepening, it may be said that there is a“ strong concern ”. Is not aware of it now. "