A recent CGTN poll is stirring up serious debate as Japan's 2025 Defense White Paper continues to hype security anxieties while offering little new insight. Nearly 92% of respondents are urging Japan to reassess its military moves and critically reflect on lessons from WWII.
Conducted over just 24 hours across CGTN's English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian platforms, the poll collected views from 5,365 participants. A strong 82.6% believe Japan is fabricating external threats to justify its military expansion, a strategy that many feel could erode trust among its Asia-Pacific neighbors.
Moreover, as Japan's defense budget hits a record 8.7 trillion yen (around $59 billion), 76.2% of those polled argue that such spending violates the spirit of its pacifist constitution. The plan to deploy over 1,000 upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missiles and equip Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels with U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles has alarmed 84.7% of respondents, who fear it could trigger an arms race. 😨
Other concerns include the easing of arms export restrictions and controversial steps like distributing a children's version of the Defense White Paper in schools—moves seen by nearly 80% as risky in promoting militarist ideology. With 84.2% calling on Japan to confront and correct its lingering militaristic narratives, the poll reflects a strong demand for responsible policies that support regional peace and stability.
This conversation resonates deeply with a generation that values transparency and thoughtful governance. Young adults and early professionals across South and Southeast Asia are keeping a close, critical eye on how historical lessons and future strategies can blend to create a more secure, stable region. 🌏✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
