China has formally expressed strong opposition to Japan's latest defense white paper, calling its China-related content "erroneous and negative." The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that Liu Jinsong, Director General of its Department of Asian Affairs, summoned Yokochi Akira, chief minister of Japan's Embassy in China, to lodge a diplomatic protest.
The 2025 defense document reportedly included assertions about China's military activities that Beijing claims misrepresent regional security dynamics. While specific details of the disputed remarks remain undisclosed, analysts suggest tensions over maritime disputes and historical issues may have influenced the language.
This development comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize relations between Asia's two largest economies. Observers note that such diplomatic exchanges highlight the delicate balance between economic cooperation and strategic competition in the region.
