China accuses Japan of using Indo-Pacific strategy to expand military

China, on Saturday, May 9, accused Japan of using regional security cooperation and its “free and open Indo-Pacific” strategy as a pretext for military expansion, warning that Tokyo’s actions threaten peace and stability in the region, according to Chinese media.

The remarks came from Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin, who commented on recent visits by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to Australia and Vietnam aimed at strengthening security ties. Jiang accused Japan of encouraging bloc-based confrontation.

"Under the pretexts of the so-called 'free and open Indo-Pacific' and 'security cooperation,' governing authorities in Japan are instigating bloc confrontation and building 'small circles,' " he said, adding: "This undermines the strategic security and interests of other countries, and serves as an excuse for Japan to break free from the restrictions on its military development, which we firmly oppose."

Jiang also criticised ongoing discussions within Japan about revising its post-war pacifist constitution, describing such efforts as a transition from “covert military buildup to overt war preparation.”

He warned that what Beijing views as growing “neo-militarism” in Japan poses an increasing threat to regional peace in Asia.

Referencing historical context, Jiang noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trials, which prosecuted Japanese leaders after World War II. He accused Japanese right-wing groups of attempting to downplay wartime aggression and glorify convicted war criminals honoured at the Yasukuni Shrine.

China urged Japan to “face up to history” and take concrete steps to build trust with neighbouring countries and the broader international community.

Jiang also called on "relevant countries" to stop forming blocs and contributing to what he described as camp-based confrontation.

Commenting on a recent meeting between Japanese and Filipino defence ministers, during which they agreed to strengthen defence cooperation, Jiang said: "Certain politicians from Japan and the Philippines have been hyping up false narratives on maritime issues and making groundless accusations against China, which China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes."

By Tamilla Hasanova