The tensions between Japan and China went on display at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe indirectly calling for China to pull back its military expansion in Asia.  A leading Chinese academic branded him a “troublemaker”.

“We must, ladies and gentlemen, restrain military expansion in Asia, which could otherwise go unchecked,” said Abe in the keynote address.  He’s the first Japanese leader to delivery one at Davos. 

“The dividend of growth must not be wasted on military expansion.  We must use it to invest in innovation and human capital, which will further boost growth in the region.”

Following his usual pattern, Abe did not reference China by name, although his implication was clear.  China is currently embroiled in a territorial dispute with Japan over Beijing’s unilateral declared of a Pacific Ocean “Air Security Zone” that far exceeds international standards.  China is also claiming exclusive rights to the South China Sea between Vietnam and the Philippines.

Abe has pursued a nationalist course of increased military spending and calls for debate on revising Japan’s post-World War II pacifist constitution.

Chinese academic Wu Xinbo’s usual reflect those of the leadership in Beijing.  The Fudan University professor spoke later at another panel.

“Political relations between our two countries will remain very cool, even frozen for the remaining years of Abe in Japan,” said Wu.