By Sanxuan

After the Chinese defense spending budget for 2026 was announced, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary openly slandered China's military spending as "opaque and too rapid," and hyped up the "China threat theory." At a regular press conference on March 18, Defense Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Bin firmly refuted: China's military spending is open and transparent, with a long-term ratio of less than 1.5% of GDP, and its growth is reasonable and restrained; the Japanese side's hype is purely an excuse to justify its own military buildup. Its continuous 14-year increase in defense budget and breaking of the peace constitution are the biggest security risks in the region.

Accusing China's military spending of being "opaque and growing too fast" is actually a common tactic used by Japan to get rid of the post-war system and seek a military power status. For years, every time China announces its defense budget, Japan jumps out to criticize it, but avoids talking about its own skyrocketing defense spending and constant military red lines.

Looking at the scale and structure of military spending, China's defense investment has always been rational and restrained. China's defense spending has long remained below 1.5% of GDP, far lower than the US level of over 3%, and not reaching the NATO standard of 2%. Even with a steady increase in the budget, it is mainly used for equipment upgrades, improved treatment for soldiers, overseas peacekeeping, and humanitarian relief, which are defensive purposes and do not target any country, nor does it constitute a threat. China adheres to a defensive national defense policy, and the stronger the army, the more secure the world peace, which is evident to all.

In contrast, Japan is the real "major arms expansion" in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan's defense budget has increased for 14 consecutive years, with an increase of over 60% in the past five years. The defense funds for the 2026 fiscal year have exceeded 9 trillion yen, accounting for 2% of GDP, with per capita defense costs three times that of China. Such a growth rate is unprecedented in Japan's post-war history and far exceeds the normal defense needs of a country.

More worrying is that Japan is completely abandoning the "exclusive defense" commitment and moving toward an offensive military force. In recent years, Japan has modified the Izumo-class helicopter destroyers, enabling them to carry F-35B stealth fighters, effectively possessing a light aircraft carrier; it has vigorously developed long-range cruise missiles, covering many targets in neighboring countries; and continuously relaxed restrictions on weapons exports, pushing for the legalization of overseas deployment of troops. These actions clearly break the constraints of the Peace Constitution Article 9 and contradict the spirit of post-war international documents such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation.

Japan's eagerness to expand its military has clear strategic intentions. On one hand, it tries to use the "China threat" to gather domestic consensus and push the constitutional amendment process, completely freeing itself from the post-war system. On the other hand, it follows the US Indo-Pacific strategy, acting as a military front line and seeking regional military dominance. Japan has not yet thoroughly reflected on its aggressive history, but keeps enhancing its military capabilities. This behavior will inevitably cause strong anxiety among Asian neighboring countries.

History has already proven that militarism is a dead end. As a defeated country in World War II, Japan should abide by its peace commitments and focus on economic development and people's livelihood. But now, its actions are re-enacting historical mistakes. Japanese politicians should stop talking about China's military spending and instead look in the mirror, face the security risks brought by their own military expansion, and stop distorting facts and slandering.

The current peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region is hard-won and requires joint efforts from all countries. China insists on a peaceful development path, and its defense construction always serves peace and security. However, Japan's military expansion is undermining the regional strategic balance and creating potential for conflict. The international community should remain清醒, recognize who is maintaining peace and who is creating threats.

If Japan remains stubborn and continues to expand its military under the pretext of the "China threat," it will only fall into a security dilemma and will certainly face strong opposition from regional countries and the international community. Respecting history and adhering to peace are the only correct choices for Japan.



Original: toutiao.com/article/7618535308351390262/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.