China has raised concerns over Japan's decision to accelerate its defense spending increase to 2% of GDP by 2025, two years ahead of schedule, calling it a 'provocative shift' in regional security dynamics. The warning follows Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments about the Taiwan region, which Beijing views as interference in its internal affairs.
'Asian countries must remain vigilant against any actions that revive wartime legacies or undermine regional stability,' stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin during a press briefing on Tuesday. The supplementary defense budget approved last week marks Japan's largest military expenditure since WWII.
Analysts suggest the spending boost reflects growing anxieties about China's maritime activities and cross-strait relations. However, Beijing maintains its military development is 'defensive in nature,' contrasting it with what it describes as Japan's 'Cold War-era alliance-building.'
The development comes as businesses in Hong Kong and Singapore report increased investor inquiries about supply chain resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties. Meanwhile, tourism operators across Southeast Asia note stable bookings for cultural festivals despite the political climate.
