Japan's new Defense White Paper identifies China as its biggest strategic challenge; China responds by expressing vigilance against attempts at re-militarization.

Japan's Defense Ministry's New Version of the Defense White Paper Again Identifies China as the Greatest Strategic Challenge; China Foreign Ministry: Draft Exposes Japan's Certain Forces' Intentions to Re-Militarize

The Japanese Defense Ministry, in its 2026 edition of the Defense White Paper (hereinafter referred to as the White Paper), explicitly stated that it will strengthen cooperation with allies and like-minded countries such as the United States to enhance deterrence and response capabilities "to ensure regional stability." The White Paper will also elaborate on military developments in countries including China and North Korea. Regarding China, the White Paper will identify it as "a deeply concerning issue and the greatest strategic challenge."

According to a report by Yomiuri Shimbun, the document retains the wording from the 2025 edition regarding China’s military activities, describing them as "a profound concern for our country and the international community, and an unprecedented greatest strategic challenge."

As reported by Kyodo News, the Liberal Democratic Party is expected to submit recommendations to Prime Minister Asahi Sanae as early as late this month. Based on advice from an expert conference anticipated to be held in autumn, Japan’s government will decide on new "three security documents" at the Cabinet meeting in December.

Regarding defense spending, the draft proposal cites NATO member states and South Korea, which aim for a target of 3.5% of GDP, as well as Australia, striving to reach 3%, and asserts, "No country would assist a nation unwilling to defend itself." Japan’s current "three security documents" set a target of 2% of GDP.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, responding to questions at a regular press briefing on Wednesday, stated, "This draft once again exposes the intentions and reckless actions of certain forces in Japan to re-militarize, push beyond post-war norms, and greatly expand military capabilities. The international community, including China, is highly concerned and vigilant about this trend," adding that "this movement is becoming increasingly evident and extremely dangerous—international society must remain highly alert and take preventive measures."

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1867657856180360/

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