Interview: Newly passed Japanese security bills to undermine regional stability: French expert

"The publication of the White Paper of Japan and its newly passed security bills may undermine the regional stability," Pierre Picquart, a French expert in geopolitics, told Xinhua in a written interview.

"We should be concerned about the development of the international situation in China Sea, given the passed Japanese security bills and the publication of the 2015 White Paper of the Japanese defense that openly criticizes China," continued Picquart.

According to Picquart, the history plays an essential role in international relations between countries.

Japan invaded northeast China in September 1931, followed by a full-scale invasion that started on July 7, 1937. Around 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or injured during the Japanese occupation, which continued until 1945.

"Japan hasn't faced its militant imperialist past against China, or its duty of remembrance," stressed Picquart.

"Germany has marked a clear breakup with Nazism, an ideology now considered as a crime. Some Japanese leaders want to 'rebuild' the history by denying these events, by worshiping war criminals, or trying to change the peaceful Constitution of Japan," said Picquart.

For the French expert, the recent 2015 White Paper of the Japanese defense and the new security bills passed by the Japanese parliament would undermine the peaceful development of Japan.

Japan's ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on July 16 rammed through a series of controversial security bills aiming to reinforce Japanese army's capacity in the all-powerful lower house, marking the most significant overturn of the nation's "purely defensive" defense posture.

"In the passed security bills, it could see Japanese troops sent out of its territory to help its allies. A first since the second World War," stressed Picquart.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

"However, this situation is becoming more dangerous and concerning. The signs given by Tokyo today are indeed not encouraging," affirmed Picquart.

"Everything suggests that these bills in Japan can threaten regional peace and its peaceful development," said Picquart, reaffirming that "this would hinder the peace acquired after the second world war".

"It would be much more useful that Japan finally learns the lessons of history, and respects the concerns of neighboring countries over security by promoting peace and stability in the region," Picquart told Xinhua.

"Although there remains disagreements, it would be the honor of Japan to promote regional and world peace," concluded Picquart. Endit