China's Ministry of National Defense has sharply criticized Japan for amplifying narratives about "external threats," calling the claims a deliberate distortion to advance hidden agendas. The remarks, made by spokesperson Jiang Bin during a March 26 press briefing, respond to recent statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who cited rising military capabilities in the Chinese mainland and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), alongside their cooperation with Russia, as factors creating Japan’s "most complex security environment since World War II."
Jiang dismissed these assertions as baseless, emphasizing Japan’s historical aggression in Asia and its failure to fully reckon with past militarism. "Japan invaded all its neighboring countries—this is undeniable," he stated, accusing Tokyo of diverting attention from domestic challenges and misleading global audiences to justify remilitarization efforts.
The spokesperson highlighted Japan’s recent revisions to national security policies, development of offensive military capabilities, and discussions about nuclear armament as alarming trends. He urged the international community to unite against the resurgence of "neo-militarism" in Japan, stressing the need to uphold regional stability and prevent historical tragedies from repeating.
China, Jiang added, remains committed to learning from history while fostering forward-looking relations, but cautioned that Japan’s actions risk destabilizing East Asia. The exchange underscores escalating tensions as regional powers navigate shifting security dynamics in 2026.
