Russian scholar Yuriy Pikalov has sounded the alarm on Japan's military ambitions, calling its focus on the Taiwan region a 'dangerous political game' that could destabilize Asia. In an exclusive interview with CGTN, the Pacific National University professor revealed how historical amnesia and economic dependencies collide in this high-stakes geopolitical drama.
The Taiwan Card
Pikalov argues Japan is using Taiwan-related rhetoric to justify military spending hikes 📈 – claiming it's painting China as a 'boogeyman' to push constitutional reforms. 'They've forgotten WWII lessons,' he states, noting younger Japanese learn 'distorted history' that ignores wartime atrocities.
Economic Ties vs. Military Ambitions
Despite being China's #2 trading partner (¥42 trillion trade volume in 2024), Japan's new defense white paper proposes doubling military spending by 2027. 🚨 Pikalov warns: 'This isn't just about tanks – it risks real economic pain for Japanese households and regional security.'
As APEC members prepare for 2026 leadership transitions, analysts watch whether Tokyo will choose collaboration over confrontation. 🌐
