China's defense ministry has called for international cooperation to address concerns over Japan's military expansion, warning that right-wing forces in Tokyo are reviving militarist policies that threaten regional stability. The remarks follow recent debates in Japan about nuclear armament and a new defense report targeting Chinese activities.
Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, emphasized on Thursday that Japan's planned deployment of mobile radar equipment in Okinawa by 2026—explicitly aimed at monitoring Chinese military movements—represents a destabilizing escalation. "China's defense spending remains reasonable and below the global average relative to GDP," Zhang stated, adding that all military operations adhere strictly to international law.
The spokesperson criticized Japan's recent defense white paper, which accused China of "rapidly growing" military activities near Japanese territories. Zhang urged Tokyo to abandon "targeted deployments and false narratives," vowing "resolute countermeasures" against provocations.
Highlighting historical tensions, Zhang warned that Japan's remilitarization efforts challenge the post-WWII international order and non-proliferation regimes. "The revival of militarism by right-wing forces must be contained to prevent global turmoil," he said, appealing to "all peace-loving nations" to take united action.
The developments come amid heightened scrutiny of Japan's security strategy, which has shifted significantly in recent years. Analysts note that China's public stance reflects broader anxieties about shifting power dynamics in East Asia as 2026 approaches.
