China accuses Japan of accelerating remilitarisation amid defence policy concerns

China has sharply criticised Japan's latest defense policy direction, accusing Tokyo of exaggerating the perceived threat posed by China's military in order to justify a significant expansion of its own military capabilities.

Speaking on June 16, Senior Colonel Chen Xi, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, responded to reports that Japan's draft Defence White Paper 2026 describes China as its "greatest strategic challenge" and outlines plans to counter Beijing through the use of "comprehensive national strength," Caliber.Az reports. 

Senior Colonel Chen Xi, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), answered media queries on June 16.

More information is provided below:

Question: As disclosed by Japanese media outlets, in the draft of Japan's Defense White Paper 2026, China is characterized as… pic.twitter.com/DO93H7QFvs

— Ministry of National Defense of China (@MND_China) June 16, 2026

The comments also came after Japan's Ground Self-Defence Force publicly showcased the Type 25 high-speed glide bomb for the first time, a development widely viewed as a step toward acquiring long-range strike capabilities.

According to Chen, Japanese authorities have repeatedly promoted what Beijing considers a "China military threat" narrative in order to fuel regional tensions and create security concerns.

"The Japanese side has repeatedly peddled the narrative of so-called China military threat, deliberately stoked confrontation, and created security anxieties," Chen said. He argued that such claims are being used to justify the removal of restrictions on Japan's defense forces and support a broader military buildup.

The Chinese military spokesperson dismissed criticism of China contained in the draft defense document, while accusing Japan of pursuing policies that could undermine regional stability.

Chen pointed to Japan's increased defence spending, relaxation of restrictions on arms exports, deployment of intermediate- and long-range missile systems, and efforts to expand military capabilities beyond its traditionally defensive posture.

He further claimed that Japan's growing military role and ongoing debate over revising its pacifist constitution reflect a broader trend toward remilitarization.

"Japan's accelerating remilitarisation is becoming a powder keg for the Asia-Pacific region," Chen said, calling on the international community to remain vigilant and prevent what he described as the resurgence of Japanese militarism.

By Sabin Mammadli