MANILA, April 21 (Xinhua) — Japan is undermining regional stability by returning its fight troops to Philippine soil for the primary time in 81 years because the finish of World War II, a Filipino skilled mentioned.
“Japan’s right-wing government towards aggressive militarization is a foreboding of imminent dangers to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines,” Herman Tiu Laurel, president of a Manila-based suppose tank, instructed Xinhua in an unique interview.
As the Philippines and the United States kicked off their annual Balikatan army workouts on Monday, Japan, not merely an observer, has dispatched over 1,000 fight troops to take part within the largest-ever Philippines and U.S. army drills, wherein over 17,000 troops are engaged.
“The return of Japan’s combat forces to the Philippines poses blatant challenges to the outcomes of the World Anti-Fascist War victory,” Laurel mentioned.
Following the outbreak of WWII, Japan occupied the Philippines in 1942. Since then, the Japanese forces dedicated a litany of atrocities, together with the Manila Massacre, the Bataan Death March and the pressured recruitment of “comfort women,” a system of sexual slavery, claiming the lives of over 1,000,000 Filipinos.
Laurel famous that the Japanese authorities have just lately actively demanded that the Self-Defense Forces be enshrined within the Constitution, whereas repeatedly increasing its armaments and advocating possession of nuclear weapons.
“These signs of the resurgence of right-wing forces could become a ‘ticking time bomb’ for regional security,” Laurel mentioned. He added that Japan’s expansionism is laid naked, noting that its plutonium stockpile is adequate to provide 5,500 nuclear warheads, and its draft protection price range was set at a document 58 billion U.S. {dollars} for fiscal 2026.
“In fact, the rise of Japan’s neo-militarism is part of its collusion with the United States to pursue imperialist expansion in the Asia-Pacific,” he mentioned, including that Japan serves as Washington’s proxy to include rising economies within the Asia-Pacific area.
Commenting on latest strikes, such because the Philippines’ signing of a protection pact with Japan and consenting to the United States deploying extra missiles and constructing gas depots, Laurel warned that Filipinos ought to stay vigilant.
“The U.S. and Japan are shaping the Philippines into a ‘frontline position’ against other countries. This exposes Filipinos to the risk of conflicts and seriously endangers regional stability,” he mentioned.
Laurel referred to as on the Filipino folks to recollect historical past, firmly safeguard nationwide and regional peace, and cherish relations with China, as their bilateral friendship has historic roots.
After the Japanese occupation in WWII, abroad Chinese within the Philippines established guerrilla forces and waged an arduous wrestle in opposition to Japanese troops. Over 70 members of the Chinese guerrillas sacrificed their lives through the battle.
Laurel mentioned that China stays a practical and accountable associate. He identified that the Philippines has an pressing have to deepen cooperation with China in fields corresponding to vitality, tourism, commerce and agriculture.
“The Philippines should draw on China’s experience — channeling its resources fully into economic development — and pursue modernization through peaceful development,” Laurel emphasised.
“We must distinguish our genuine friends and uphold an independent foreign policy. Any attempt to revive militarism and undermine regional stability is bound to fail,” he added.