Japan warns of China’s military moves in its latest defense white paper, calling them the country’s biggest strategic challenge. The report, submitted to the Cabinet on Tuesday, highlights rising threats in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan cites China’s expanding military presence and its joint operations with Russia as major concerns.
Therefore, the 534-page document outlines increasing military activity by China in areas from Japan’s southwestern coasts to the broader Pacific. Japan warns of China’s military moves in this region, noting that such developments could trigger conflict. China’s maneuvers, especially near Taiwan, have escalated in frequency and scale, prompting Tokyo to respond.
Moreover, to counter potential threats, Japan has boosted its military posture in the southwestern islands. It has deployed long-range cruise missiles and tested short-range surface-to-ship missiles. These moves aim to deter aggression, especially if China attempts to annex Taiwan by force.
The report also raises alarms over Chinese naval and air activities. Chinese warships now pass through southwestern Japanese waters three times more often than three years ago. Many of these routes lie between Taiwan and Japan’s Yonaguni Island. Japan sees this as an effort by China to expand its sea power far from home.
Tensions soared recently after Chinese fighter jets flew dangerously close to Japanese surveillance aircraft. Tokyo demanded Beijing halt these maneuvers. China retaliated by accusing Japan of spying near its airspace. These exchanges further fuel instability in the region.
Japan also noted two troubling cases last year. A Chinese warplane briefly entered Japanese airspace near Nagasaki. Separately, a Chinese aircraft carrier entered waters just outside Japan’s territorial zone. These acts, Japan says, threaten regional peace.
Adding to the strain, North Korea continues developing missiles capable of reaching Japan and the U.S. mainland. The report warns of North Korea’s solid-fuel ballistic missiles, calling them an imminent danger.
Meanwhile, Russia maintains an aggressive military presence around Japan. In September, it violated Japanese airspace. Its growing strategic ties with China have deepened Japan’s concern. Japan warns of China’s military moves and urges stronger security cooperation with allies. With the U.S. focusing on domestic strength, Japan feels pressure to take a greater regional role.
The Defense Ministry concludes the world is entering a new crisis era. Rising threats around Japan make it clear that Tokyo must stay vigilant.