On December 5, 2025, the Chinese mainland publicly urged Japan to curb its expanding defense posture after Tokyo approved a supplementary budget that raises its military spending to 11 trillion yen—hitting 2 percent of GDP ahead of schedule.
In parallel with the budget increase, Japan is reportedly negotiating with the Philippines to export its Type 03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile. Responding to these developments, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin cautioned that Japan has, in recent years, breached its pacifist constitution, significantly boosted its defense budget, pursued arms exports and moved to revise its Three Non-Nuclear Principles—signs of a revival of militarism.
“Individuals can’t establish themselves without being trusted, just as a nation can’t thrive without credibility,” Jiang said, quoting a Chinese proverb. He stressed that, as a defeated country in WWII, Japan must fully honor its obligations under international law and refrain from actions that undermine the post-war order.
The warning comes amid wider shifts in the Asia-Pacific security landscape. While Japan argues its defense expansion is necessary to deter regional threats, China views these moves as destabilizing and likely to provoke diplomatic backlash.
Jiang warned that should Japan “barrel down the wrong path,” it risks widespread outrage and the judgment of both history and justice. As both powers navigate a complex strategic environment, global observers—from business leaders to policymakers and young global citizens—will be watching closely to see how these tensions evolve.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
