China's Ministry of National Defense issued a sharp rebuke to Japan on Wednesday, condemning its latest defense white paper for amplifying regional tensions through what Beijing calls baseless 'China threat' rhetoric and improper interference in internal affairs.
Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin responded to media inquiries about Tokyo's 2025 defense report, which repeatedly labels China as Japan's 'unprecedented biggest strategic threat' and accuses Beijing of attempting to 'unilaterally change the status quo by force.' The document also drew criticism for its commentary on cross-strait relations.
'Japan's neighbors remember all too well the historical lessons of militarism,' Jiang stated, referencing the 80th anniversary of both the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and Taiwan's return to China. 'Instead of learning from history, Japan is dangerously expanding its military capabilities while challenging post-war peace frameworks.'
The spokesperson highlighted concerning developments including Japan's increased defense spending, eased weapons export rules, and discussions about revising its long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles. Jiang emphasized these moves 'contravene Japan's pacifist constitution' and threaten Asia-Pacific stability.
On the Taiwan question, Jiang reaffirmed that the island's 1945 return to China formed part of the post-WWII international order. He urged Tokyo to honor historical commitments in bilateral agreements and 'take concrete steps to improve China-Japan relations.'
Analysts suggest the strong response reflects growing regional concerns about Japan's evolving security posture ahead of key historical anniversaries. The white paper's timing coincides with intensified debates about Asia's evolving security architecture.
