China warns Japan against "militarism" after ruling party's election win

BEIJING - China on Monday doubled down on its warning to Japan against what it views as possible revival of "militarism" and interference in Taiwan issues, after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's party scored a landslide victory in the weekend general election, strengthening her hand to pursue her conservative agenda.

"We hope Japan follows a path of peaceful development instead of repeating the mistakes of militarism," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, reflecting concerns in China that the election outcome will clear the way for Takaichi, known as a security hawk, to bolster her country's defense capabilities and accelerate deliberations on amending its postwar pacifist Constitution.