China Raises Concerns Over Japan’s Growing Offensive Capabilities

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

The statement was reported by China’s state-run news agency CGTN.

It followed reports that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force had conducted its first training launch of a Tomahawk cruise missile from the JS Chokai, an Aegis-equipped destroyer.

Beijing also expressed concern over recent tests of a new missile conducted by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The type of missile has not been officially disclosed, but it may be a new cruise missile.

On Friday, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Chen Xi said 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 once again warned of the threat of Japanese “neo-militarism” and called on the international community to restrain Tokyo’s efforts to expand its military capabilities.

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

If approved by the government at that level, it would become the largest defense budget in Japan’s history.
According to a senior government official, defense spending could rise to about ¥10 trillion ($67.57 billion) after the budget process is completed.

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