Jun 16, 2026

China's Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday criticized Japan's latest defense policy moves, saying Japan's accelerating remilitarization is turning the country into a "powder keg."

The remarks were made by Senior Colonel Chen Xi, spokesperson for the Chinese defense ministry, in response to reports that the outline of Japan's Defense White Paper 2026 characterizes China as "an unprecedented and greatest strategic challenge" and says Tokyo will counter it with "comprehensive national strength." The question also referred to the recent display by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force of its Type 25 high-speed glide bomb, which is considered a substantive step by Japan toward developing proactive long-range strike capabilities. 

According to Chen, Japan has repeatedly peddled the narrative of a so-called China military threat, deliberately stoked confrontation and created security anxieties in order to fabricate excuses for itself to break free from restrictions on its defense forces and seek a massive military buildup.

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https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-06-16/Japan-s-remilitarization-turning-it-into-Asia-Pacific-powder-keg--1O1sBPDhXLG/p.html