Speaking at the Doha Forum on December16, Japan's Defence Minister Taro Kono said Japan “is also concerned about China’s rapid enhancement of its military power without transparency, including its nuclear and missile capabilities.” He added “The rule of law, which is of critical importance to global stability and security, is a value shared by the international community, including China,” and that countries cannot be permitted to expand their spheres of influence by force and “aggressors must be forced to pay the cost”. The official Chinese media has not yet commented on Taro Kono's remarks. Kono, is expected to arrive in Beijing on December 18, and is likely to raise the issue of the Belt and Road Initiative and reiterate Japan’s support for some of the projects that are presently being discussed.
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