China Concerned by Japan’s Buildup of Offensive Capabilities

China has expressed serious concern over Japan’s growing development of offensive weapons.

China’s state-run news agency CGTN reported on this.

The comments came after reports that Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force had conducted its first training launch of a Tomahawk cruise missile from the JS Chokai, an Aegis-equipped destroyer.

Beijing was also particularly concerned about recent tests of a new missile conducted by Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force. The type of missile has not been officially disclosed, but it may be a new cruise missile.

On Friday, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Chen Xi said that Japan’s references to a “security threat from neighboring countries” were merely an excuse to move beyond the restrictions imposed by its pacifist constitution.

China has once again warned of the threat posed by Japanese ‘neo-militarism’ and called on the international community to restrain Tokyo’s efforts to expand its military capabilities.

It was recently reported that the Japanese Ministry of Defense had requested a record ¥8.9 trillion ($60.1 billion) to fund the country’s defense budget for fiscal year 2027.

If approved by the government at this level, the request would result in the largest defense budget in Japan’s history.

According to a senior government official, Japan’s defense spending could rise to around ¥10 trillion ($67.57 billion) after the budget process is completed.

One of the key priorities of the budget request will be the development of new methods of warfare.