Related report: Tokyo unveils new carrier


Yesterday marked the 68th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. On the same day, Japan launched the country's new-generation 22DDH-class frigate named Izumo. The name is the same as that of the one used during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45). It is 248 meters long and 38 meters wide with a displacement weight of 27,000 tons. It is larger than some carriers made by Britain, Italy and Spain.

Although it is referred to as a frigate, it is no less than a light carrier. As Japan's Peace Constitution forbids the country from having aircraft carriers, the Japanese government has this time thrown a curve ball. The ball is not only aimed at the Peace Constitution, but also has shaken the Asia-Pacific region's attitude toward Japan.

It has been almost 70 years since Japan's defeat in World War II, but there has been a persistent influence within the country that tries to break the constraints imposed on it. Japanese officials have been struggling to grapple with historical issues. They find it difficult to conceal their ambition for the country to become a military power. The 22DDH goes under the name of "frigate," and senior officials have visited Yasukuni Shrine "privately." Both are forms of disguise.

A 22DDH carrier will definitely not change the military strategic pattern in the west Pacific. It is more like a symbol of Japan's strong wish to return to its time as a military power. Japan has been held back for such a long time. It has too much hope of becoming a major player in political and military affairs in the Asia-Pacific.

In spite of this, Japan has actively engaged in territorial disputes and historical issues with its neighboring countries. In Japanese literature, there have been works calling for the return of militarism and expressing the fantasy that Japan defeated the US. Japan's right-wing is one of the most radical extreme groups in East Asia.

Japan's history lacks the tradition of "moral rule" and worships armed might. Unless the whole nation undergoes a complete historical and cultural construction to get rid of their aggressiveness and sense of crisis, Japan must be restrained in its actions. 

Japan should not have such thinking to increase its own strength and reconstruct its geopolitical environment through its military power building.

Nor should it believe that advanced armadas and weapons of mass destruction will help it break out of encirclement in the Asia-Pacific.

Japan is indulging in mania and worship for power in the most peaceful era in Northeast Asia. This may lead to the creation of a new powder keg in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan cannot threaten China in matters of life and death. But it is likely to become a more serious problem for China. To respond to Japan's light carrier in the name of "a frigate," China can only develop its own real aircraft carriers.