Editor's note: Xiang Haoyu is a specially appointed research fellow at the Department for Asia-Pacific Studies, China Institute of International Studies. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
September 18 marks the 95th anniversary of the outbreak of the September 18 Incident. The incident not only served as a prelude to Japanese militarism’s brutal invasion of China and other Asian nations, but also destroyed the international system of the time, plunging the entire Asia-Pacific region into the bottomless abyss of war.
At this solemn juncture, a time for deep reflection on wartime tragedies and renewed pledges for peace, a close look at the current situation in East Asia inevitably evokes deep concern.
Recently, a string of unusually dangerous developments have emerged in quick succession within Japan's political and defense circles, such as right-wing conservatives gaining power in local elections, top defense officials openly coveting nuclear armaments and frequent joint regional military drills. and words and deeds that challenge the post-war international order.
All those suggest that Japan's ruling authorities and right-wing factions are accelerating their break from the post-war system and deviating further from the path of peaceful development.