Russia, Japan clash at UN over defense policies

A sharp exchange occurred at the United Nations on May 28, as Russia and Japan traded accusations over defense policies. Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused Germany and Japan of pursuing "remilitarization," warning that this trend threatens global security and undermines post-World War II achievements.

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Japan's efforts to enhance its defense capabilities are a response to the increasingly harsh security environment and are not aimed at any specific country.

Responding directly to Nebenzia's remarks made during a Security Council session, Japan's Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki firmly rejected the allegations. Yamazaki asserted that Japan adheres strictly to the UN Charter and international law. He characterized Russia's criticism of Japan's defense policy as baseless, especially given Moscow's ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.

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The description of Japan's defense steps as militarism is ridiculous.

"Japan's efforts to enhance its defense capabilities are a response to the increasingly harsh security environment and are not aimed at any specific country," Yamazaki stated. He emphasized that Tokyo maintains a purely defensive defense policy as stipulated by its post-war constitution. The Japanese diplomat called the description of Japan's defense steps as militarism "ridiculous," adding that it was "even more absurd" coming from a nation conducting aggressive military actions that clearly violate the UN Charter.

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It is even more absurd when these criticisms come from a country that continues to conduct aggressive military actions and clearly violates the UN Charter.

Germany also voiced its rejection of Russia's assertions. German Minister of State for Europe, Gunther Krichbaum, described the Russian representative's statements as "unfounded accusations" during the same session. Krichbaum affirmed Berlin's objective to maintain peace with its neighbors and prevent conflicts in Europe and globally. The dispute unfolds as both Germany and Japan significantly increase their defense capabilities, with Germany expanding its armed forces post-Ukraine invasion and Japan boosting military investment amid regional security concerns and China's growing military influence.

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unfounded accusations