China finds audience for talk of Japan 'militarism' beyond Russia, North Korea

Veiled warnings appear in joint statements with Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar

Chinese President Xi Jinping has stepped up pressure on Japan after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made comments regarding a hypothetical Taiwan emergency in November last year. (Nikkei montage)

BEIJING -- China's assertions that Japan is engaging in a "new militarism" appear to be spreading among countries friendly with Beijing, including not only close allies like Russia and North Korea but also other friendly nations such as Pakistan and Bangladesh.