Japanese Self-Defense Force ground-based Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptors are seen in position on the grounds in Ishigaki, Okinawa prefecture on February 7, 2016. Photo: AFP
Japan is planning 2+2 ministerial talks with India and Australia focusing on military cooperation after similar talks were held between Japan and the US in July, and experts warned on Sunday that Japan is on a dangerous path to revive the militarism that once brought disasters to numerous countries in World War II.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara are scheduled to travel to India sometime around August 20 to discuss ways to "achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law." Discussions may also include joint exercises between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and Indian military, and Tokyo's provision of defense equipment to India, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported.
The talks with Australia will likely take place early next month under the background that an agreement aimed at facilitating joint drills between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Australian military came into force last year, NHK reported, noting that the planned meeting will likely see the two sides agree to deepen cooperation under the pact.
Leaders in Tokyo aim to boost ties with both countries in light of "China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific," NHK said.
In late July, Japan and the US also held 2+2 talks, as US forces upgraded their command in Japan and reaffirmed their commitment to "extended deterrence."
Australia, India, Japan and the US are in a security dialogue known as the Quad.
Analysts said that Japan is enhancing its defense ties with Quad members in an attempt to break away from post-World War II military restrictions, taking advantage of the US' "Indo-Pacific Strategy" that aims to contain China.
Japan's 2+2 talks with the other three Quad members mainly focus on military cooperation, exposing Japan's scheme of expanding its military presence overseas and selling Japanese weapons to foreign countries and regions, a Beijing-based military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Sunday.
Other countries should remember what disaster a militarist Japan brought to the world in the past, the expert said, urging Japan to learn from history.
A military encirclement around China also poses serious security concerns, as it harms strategic balance, raises tensions and brings negative factors to peace and stability in the region, observers said.
