China has issued a stern rebuke of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments about not ruling out nuclear-powered submarine development, calling the remarks 'irresponsible' and 'destabilizing' for regional security. The criticism comes as Japan's Defense Ministry announced plans to deploy advanced radar systems in Okinawa by 2026, citing concerns over China's military modernization.
At a Thursday press briefing, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang emphasized that China's defense spending growth – which reached $230 billion this year – remains proportionate to its national security needs. 'All military activities are conducted in strict compliance with international law,' Zhang stated, adding that China will 'resolutely counteract any attempts to undermine regional stability.'
The escalating rhetoric follows Japan's latest defense white paper, which claims China's naval expansion threatens freedom of navigation in the East China Sea. Analysts note this exchange highlights growing strategic competition as Asia's two largest economies navigate complex historical relations and contemporary security challenges.
