China ‘gravely concerned’ about reports Japan could join Aukus security pact
- Move ‘disregards the risk of nuclear proliferation’ and would ‘intensify the arms race’ in the region, foreign ministry spokeswoman says
- US, Britain and Australia are reportedly set to announce talks about expanding the alliance as Washington pushes for Tokyo’s inclusion
The move “disregards the risk of nuclear proliferation” and would “intensify the arms race in the Indo-Pacific region and disrupt regional peace and stability”, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a daily press briefing.
The US, Britain and Australia were set to announce talks on Monday about bringing new members into the defence alliance, as Washington pushes for Japan to be involved as a deterrent against China, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.
Mao said Beijing “opposes the formation of exclusive ‘small circles’ and the creation of bloc confrontation”.
“Japan, in particular, should deeply learn from historical lessons and exercise caution in military security,” she said.
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Formed in 2021, Aukus is a military technology partnership aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. China has called the pact dangerous and warned it could spur a regional arms race.
