Commentary: Commissioning of Izumo shows Abe's insatiable appetite for military might

The commissioning on Wednesday of Japan's largest helicopter destroyer Izumo not only hurts the feelings of the Chinese people, but also lays bare Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and its government's intent to further militarize the country.

The commissioning of Izumo, named after a Japanese cruiser once used in Japan's invasion of China in the early 20th century, definitely evokes painful memories of the Chinese people and indicates an attempt to resurrect Japan's militaristic past.

Coincidental or not, such a move is inappropriate when other Asian countries are striving for stability in the region.

Although Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida recently signaled that the island nation is reconsidering its handling of historical issues under the pressure from neighbors and the international community, the commissioning make people doubt Tokyo's sincerity.

China's concern is justified as the so-called "helicopter-carrying destroyer" bears a strong resemblance to a conventional aircraft carrier.

Some Western media reported that Izumo with a crew of 470 sailors is a highly visible example of how the Japanese government is expanding the capability of its military to operate overseas. According to the reports, the 248-meter-long Izumo resembles U.S. Marine Corps amphibious assault carriers in size and design.

However, it was deliberately designated as a "helicopter-carrying destroyer," a label that allows Japan to dodge a constitutional ban on processing aircraft carriers.

This is not the first time that Abe attempted to bolster Japan's military might since he took office in late 2012: lifting bans on arms exports, reinterpreting the pacifist Constitution to allow its Self-Defense Forces to exercise right to collective self-defense, boosting defense budget. All of those moves are risky ones that might push the country toward militarism again and escalate unrest in the region.

Now, 70 years after the end of World War II, it is time for Japan to rein in on the brink of the precipice, stop all provocations and adopt a responsible attitude in a bid to return to the correct track.

Actually, China expects the Japanese government to seize the opportunity of the delivery of the Abe Statement, which will mark the end of WWII, to face up to history and advance toward the future with its neighbors. Keep denying history and reviving militarism would only cause further uneasiness in the area and harm the country itself.

Perhaps, Abe should keep in mind the fate of the previous Izumo, which was eventually destroyed by U.S. forces on July 24, 1945 and buried for good with Japanese fascism. Endi