Russia expresses worry over Japan's call for militarization boost

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In an interview with Sputnik, Russian Charge d'affaires in Tokyo, Gennady Ovechko, expressed Russia's concern over Japan's recent call for an increase in military budgets and the strengthening of military power, which Russia views as a flip from Japan's previous foreign policy approach.

"We are concerned by the Japanese remilitarization policy, forced by the administration of [Japanese Prime Minister] Fumio Kishida. We see at what speed such serious initiatives as updating doctrinal documents in the defense and security sectors, and unprecedented boosting of the military budget are being promoted without proper discussion and approval by the people," Ovechko explained.

He pointed out that Russia has been aware of Japan's efforts to shift its self-defense forces into a "full-fledged army capable of conducting offensive operations."

"We are closely monitoring the conduct of large-scale military exercises near the Russian borders with the involvement of non-regional participants," the diplomat indicated. 

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This comes amid plans by the current administration's Liberal Democratic Party to amend the Peace Constitution, founded in 1947, which serves as the foundational legislation of the nation and is now the world's oldest unaltered constitution, forbids Japan from taking part in foreign hostilities.

The legislation stipulates that in order to modify the constitution, two-thirds of the Japanese Parliament must agree on the change before it can be put to a referendum of the people.

According to recent polls, 37% of respondents, the second-highest ratio since 2013, favored the reform of the renowned Article 9, often known as the "peace article", while 55% opposed the amendments.

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