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Tokyo unveils new carrier
Tokyo on Tuesday unveiled its biggest warship since World War II on the 68th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Reaction by Chinese defense ministry:
"We are concerned over Japan's constant expansion of its military equipment. Japan's Asian neighbors and the international community need to be highly vigilant about this trend."

"Japan should learn from history, adhere to its policy of self-defense and abide by its promise to take the road of peaceful development."

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Viewpoints

Media comments:

Global Times: Japan more ambitious in its military goals
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.

Xinhua: Facing up to history is needed to maintain hard-won peace
As Rome was not built in one day, building trust also takes a lot of concrete efforts and denial of the past is counterproductive. Maybe the best way to remember those beloved ones killed in the war is to prevent the tragedy from recurring.

Only by facing up to the history and seriously reflecting on its war-time crimes can Japan win back trust among people in Asia and across the world, so as to preserve the hard-won peace and stability in the region.

Xinhua: Alarming signs of Japan's rearmament
In the eyes of many in the region, the launch of Izumo, namesake of a sunken WWII Japanese warship, and Aso's proposal on picking up Nazi tactics, indicate an attempt to resurrect the skeletons of Japan's inglorious militaristic past.

Thus, there are enough reasons for the international community to be wary of a potential revival of Japan's militarism.

The Beijing News: Does the Izumo signal Japan’s militarization?
While the launching of the Izumo-class may excite the Japanese nationalists, it may also have a side effect. While the same US that dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima exactly 68 years ago is encouraging Japan to develop its armed forces, it will pull the reigns on that development at any time it feels that power poses a threat to its geopolitical position.

Expert opinion:

Liu Jiangping, an military affairs fellow at Beihang University:
As China grows in strength, the need to safeguard its maritime rights is increasing. As a result, China’s warship industrial complex is developing in both quantity and quality. With a strong economy leading the way, surpassing the Japanese naval force is no longer a dream but a reality.

Jin Canrong, deputy dean of the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China:
By choosing the 68th anniversary of the atomic bomb drop on Hiroshima to launch the carrier, Abe is purposefully provoking pathos among the Japanese people to rally support for his military ambitions. As the US cuts military spending, it must rely on Japan to conduct military action in the Asia-Pacific region. This leaves Japan with a good opportunity to develop its military power.

News  Vocab

日本海上自卫队 rìběn hǎishàng zìwèi duì Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

Example:

日本海上自卫队的“出云”号新型护卫舰6日在横滨正式下水。

The Izumo, one of a new generation of escort vessels used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, was launched in Yokohama on August 6.

Web editor: yangruoyu@globaltimes.com.cn