INTERNATIONAL: Japan`s first Defence White Paper under the administration of Sanae Takaichi has sparked widespread international criticism, with its promotion of a so-called "war-driven prosperity" theory drawing sharp backlash. According to a global survey conducted by China Global Television Network (CGTN), 83.6 percent of respondents believe Japan`s renewed militarism is accelerating its military expansion and warrants heightened vigilance from the international community.

The newly released white paper places strong emphasis on the role of the defence industry in enhancing international competitiveness and driving economic growth, advancing what critics describe as the "war-driven prosperity" narrative. According to the survey, 72 percent of respondents rejected the argument as unreasonable and unacceptable.

A further 80.9 percent said the reality points in the opposite direction, noting that Japan has raised defence spending to 2 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through tax increases and fiscal reforms—the country`s highest level since the end of the Second World War. Respondents argued that the sustained rise in defence expenditure has imposed an additional financial burden on the Japanese public.

The survey also found that 65.5 percent of respondents believe linking increased defence spending to public welfare is unsustainable, particularly in light of Japan`s fiscal pressures and high national debt.

The new defence white paper has also attracted attention for its anime-style cover design, which critics argue attempts to soften the image of military expansion and make it more acceptable to the public. On this issue, 79.1 percent of respondents said the Japanese government appears to be encouraging the integration of military elements into everyday life, warning that such a trend toward social militarisation should be closely monitored by the international community.

The survey was conducted across CGTN`s English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian-language platforms. Within 24 hours, a total of 2,343 respondents participated and shared their views.

Source: China Media Group (CMG).