Question: It is reported that Japan has officially announced to join AUKUS. According to the Canadian Prime Minister, to counter China, Russia and other countries' activities in the North Pole, Canada is considering increasing submarine deployment and starting negotiation on joining AUKUS. What's your comment on this?
Wu Qian: China is gravely concerned about it. We are open to normal military cooperation between any countries, but we firmly oppose relevant countries cobbling together exclusive groupings, building bilateral or multilateral military alliance targeting China, creating division and confrontation and stoking block confrontation. The Asia-pacific is a big stage for peace and development, not a wrestling ground for geopolitical competition. China is a cooperation partner for all countries, not a challenge to anyone. In disregard of the concerns of regional countries and the international community, the US, UK and Australia have kept sending signals of AUKUS expansion, which severely impacted peace and stability of the Asia-pacific. Many regional countries are deeply concerned about it.
For historical and realistic reasons, Japan's military and security moves have been closed watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. Japan needs to draw lessons from history, both speak and act prudently on military and security issues. Other countries should also earnestly fulfill their international obligations and avoid doings things that may undermine regional and world peace and stability.