The Chinese Ministry of National Defense issued a stark warning on December 25, 2025, condemning Japan's accelerated development of space military capabilities as "extremely dangerous" amid growing regional tensions. Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, defense ministry spokesperson, stated Tokyo's plans to reorganize its Air Self-Defense Force and develop satellite-disruption technologies could trigger a destabilizing space arms race.
Japan's proposed fiscal year 2026 timeline for constructing a spacecraft carrier and establishing an Air and Space Self-Defense Force has drawn comparisons to historical military strategies. "Given Japan's wartime legacy of surprise attacks, the international community rightly questions whether we're witnessing preparations for a Pearl Harbor scenario in space," Zhang remarked during Thursday's briefing.
The criticism comes as multiple Asian nations expand extraterrestrial capabilities. Analysts suggest Japan's technological advancements in satellite interference could challenge existing space security frameworks. "Unrestrained space militarization threatens the peaceful development all nations depend on," Zhang emphasized, urging adherence to international space treaties.
Regional observers note the developments coincide with heightened security debates across Asia, particularly regarding dual-use space technologies. While Japan maintains its programs are defensive, the Chinese military leadership has called for transparent dialogue to prevent miscalculations in this new strategic frontier.
