Japan's Rapid Remilitarization Turning It into Asia-Pacific 'Powder Keg,' Warns Chinese Defense Ministry-Agency
China's Ministry of National Defense sharply condemned Japan's recent defense policy moves on Tuesday, warning that Tokyo's accelerating remilitarization is turning the country into a "powder keg" in the Asia-Pacific region, reported by CGTN.
Chen Xi, spokesperson for the ministry, responded to reports that Japan’s draft 2026 Defense White Paper labels China as "an unprecedented and greatest strategic challenge" and pledges to counter it by leveraging "comprehensive national strength." He also referenced the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s recent unveiling of the Type 25 high-speed glide bomb, marking a significant step toward developing proactive long-range strike capabilities.
Chen accused Japan of persistently promoting the narrative of a so-called Chinese military threat, deliberately fueling confrontation and manufacturing security fears to justify abandoning post-war defense constraints. He dismissed Japan’s claims as baseless, stating, "Those who claim to be threatened are the real source of the threat."
Highlighting Japan’s actions, Chen pointed to its sharp increase in defense spending, relaxation of lethal weapons export restrictions, accelerated deployment of intermediate- and long-range missiles, expansion of offensive military capabilities, efforts to revise its pacifist constitution, and open calls to become a "war-capable" nation.
"Japan's accelerating remilitarization is turning it into a powder keg for the Asia-Pacific region," Chen warned.
