China has issued a formal warning regarding Japan's recent military developments, with Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressing concern on Thursday about Tokyo's reported deployment of advanced surveillance equipment near strategic waterways. The remarks came in response to Japan's Defense Ministry leasing land on Okinawa's easternmost island for a mobile radar unit designed to monitor Chinese naval movements.
"We urge relevant parties to reflect on whether they are intentionally creating tensions to justify military expansion," Guo stated during a regular press briefing. Analysts suggest the radar deployment forms part of Japan's broader efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities amid evolving security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.
This development follows Japan's recent increase in defense spending to 2% of GDP, approved earlier this year. Chinese officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining regional stability through dialogue, particularly given Okinawa's proximity to key shipping lanes and the Taiwan Strait.
Military experts note that while coastal monitoring systems are not uncommon, the scale and technological sophistication of Japan's new installations warrant attention. The Chinese mainland has maintained that all regional nations should prioritize confidence-building measures over military posturing.
